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October 2024
Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting *canceled*
The Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting previously scheduled for October 16 has been canceled. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at okhistory.org/BOARD. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105.
Find out more »“Pastimes at the Fort” living history program
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold living history programs in October. They will be held on October 3 and 4, 17–19, and 25–26 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will center the October programs on the pastimes undertaken by soldiers at the fort. The “Pastimes at the Fort” living history programs explore sources of entertainment in the early 1800s. Have you ever wondered how soldiers and civilians in…
Find out more »Historic Preservation Review Committee meeting
The regular quarterly meeting of the Historic Preservation Review Committee (HPRC) will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The HPRC will meet in the Leroy H. Fischer Boardroom, Oklahoma History Center (third floor), located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK. The public is invited to attend. (NOTE: If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation, please contact Lynda Ozan at 405-522-4484 or lynda.ozan@history.ok.gov by noon on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.) Additionally,…
Find out more »Small Canvas Painting workshop with Jasmine Jones *canceled*
Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum on Thursday, October 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. for a workshop on small canvas painting. Local multidisciplinary artist Jasmine Jones will work with class participants to create a piece of art to take home. The class fee includes all art supplies. It is $32 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Register for Small Canvas Painting
Find out more »Overnight at the Museum
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host “Overnight at the Museum,” an activity-filled sleepover. Children and a parent or guardian can stay all night, sleep where they choose, and play into the early hours. The event will begin Friday, October 18, at 6 p.m. with supper from Ike’s Chili – a Will Rogers favorite. There will be games, a campfire with s’mores, cowboy sing-a-long, movies in the theater, glow-in-the-dark activities, and more. The event will wrap up with breakfast on…
Find out more »“Pastimes at the Fort” living history program
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold living history programs in October. They will be held on October 3 and 4, 17–19, and 25–26 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will center the October programs on the pastimes undertaken by soldiers at the fort. The “Pastimes at the Fort” living history programs explore sources of entertainment in the early 1800s. Have you ever wondered how soldiers and civilians in…
Find out more »History & Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History & Haunts tours. The evening tours will take place on Fridays, October 4, 11, and 18, and on Wednesday, October 30. Tours will last 45 minutes, and will begin at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Dive into the rich history of this historic location while exploring its eerie haunts. This in-person event will take you on a journey through time, revealing the secrets and stories that lurk…
Find out more »“Pastimes at the Fort” living history program
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold living history programs in October. They will be held on October 3 and 4, 17–19, and 25–26 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will center the October programs on the pastimes undertaken by soldiers at the fort. The “Pastimes at the Fort” living history programs explore sources of entertainment in the early 1800s. Have you ever wondered how soldiers and civilians in…
Find out more »History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip
Step back in time and experience life in the Cherokee Outlet during History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the five historic territorial buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come to life with reenactors dressed in period clothing from the late 1800s. Attendees can sit at school desks in the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse while lessons are…
Find out more »“Glass-Tastic” Night Lights!
On Saturday, October 19, the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will offer two make-and-take sessions to make a “glass-tastic” night light! Join instructor Audrey Schmitz as she conducts a “de-LIGHT-ful” interactive glass fusion class at 11 a.m. and another session at 1 p.m. Glass-Tastic participants will create an original fused glass night light and enjoy light refreshments for a $35 registration fee. Along with learning about the art and technique of glass fusion, a wide array of colorful art glass…
Find out more »“Glass-Tastic” Night Lights!
On Saturday, October 19, the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will offer two make-and-take sessions to make a “glass-tastic” night light! Join instructor Audrey Schmitz as she conducts a “de-LIGHT-ful” interactive glass fusion class at 11 a.m. and another session at 1 p.m. Glass-Tastic participants will create an original fused glass night light and enjoy light refreshments for a $35 registration fee. Along with learning about the art and technique of glass fusion, a wide array of colorful art glass…
Find out more »Lunch and Learn: “Chapman Ranches”
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will hold a free webinar on the history of the Chapman Ranches. Register for the webinar. The Chapman family – P. A. and Roxana Chapman and their children and grandchildren – are well known for their role in the oil and gas industry and as prominent philanthropists in Oklahoma and Texas. Less known is their significance as innovative agriculturalists in both states. John Chapman operated the family’s Chapman…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meeting
On Wednesday, October 23, The Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meeting will be held at Honey Springs Battlefield. The Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meetings occur on the 4th Wednesday of the first month of each quarter at 1:30 p.m. with the exception of the May meeting which will take place on Friday, May 3, also at 1:30 p.m. Agendas will be available online 24 hours prior to the meeting at okhistory.org/BOARD.
Find out more »“Pastimes at the Fort” living history program
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold living history programs in October. They will be held on October 3 and 4, 17–19, and 25–26 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will center the October programs on the pastimes undertaken by soldiers at the fort. The “Pastimes at the Fort” living history programs explore sources of entertainment in the early 1800s. Have you ever wondered how soldiers and civilians in…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Frankenstein (1931)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a FREE Movie Night featuring the film Frankenstein (1931) in its theater on Friday, October 25. Admission to the movie is free, and guests can also enjoy free popcorn and drinks while watching the film, thanks to the Bank of Commerce’s sponsorship. Because seating is limited, the doors will open at 6 p.m. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »“Pastimes at the Fort” living history program
The Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold living history programs in October. They will be held on October 3 and 4, 17–19, and 25–26 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will center the October programs on the pastimes undertaken by soldiers at the fort. The “Pastimes at the Fort” living history programs explore sources of entertainment in the early 1800s. Have you ever wondered how soldiers and civilians in…
Find out more »Parlor Jam at Horizon Hill
On the last Saturday of August, September, and October, from 1 to 3 p.m., The Chisholm will present a series of jam sessions in the parlor room of Horizon Hill, the home of Territorial Governor A. J. Seay. Each session will start with a performance by Wayne Cantwell, “the Flyin’ Fiddler,” followed by an old-time jam session. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to participate in this excellent learning opportunity to sit and play alongside seasoned performers! New players are…
Find out more »145th Army Band public performance
The 145th Army Band, also recognized as “The Governor’s Own,” will play for the general public on Saturday, October 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The band will play various selections, including jazz, show tunes, classics, and patriotic music. The mission of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 145th Army Band is to provide music that promotes troop morale, unit spirit, and civil/military relations in support of military operations. The 145th Army Band has had…
Find out more »“History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library in Guthrie will host its “History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will have an It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) film theme. At the three-hour event, families can enjoy carnival games, treats, prizes, and a cake walk. Refreshments and hot dogs will be served free to all guests as long as supplies last. Enjoy Halloween-themed activities inside the museum—family-friendly costumes are encouraged! The Oklahoma…
Find out more »Ghost Stories Tours
Visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum for a night of Ghost Stories Tours on Saturday, October 26, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Guides will lead guests on outdoor tours around the ranch site and its buildings, the big barn, log cabin, blacksmith shop, and the mansion while hearing spine-tingling, ghostly tales about Oklahoma, the surrounding area, and the Pawnee Bill Ranch. Tours will leave the museum every 30 minutes, so bundle up for cold weather. The Ghost Stories Tours…
Find out more »Back in Time: “Haunted Heritage” special screening and panel with OETA Producer Robert Burch
On Wednesday, October 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the OETA and the Oklahoma Historical Society will partner to host a hauntingly good special screening of the OETA Back in Time series episode “Haunted Heritage”—just in time for Halloween!
The event will be held at the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center. Uncover the spine-tingling stories that haunt Oklahoma’s past and enjoy a ghostly panel discussion featuring OETA producer Robert Burch and local historians and storytellers. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good ghost story, this event promises to be a frightfully fun experience!
Costumes encouraged! Wear your best Halloween attire and join in on the fun! Treats and refreshments will be provided to keep your spirits high.
Find out more »History & Haunts at the Overholser *Sold Out*
In October, the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion will host its annual History & Haunts tours. The evening tours will take place on Fridays, October 4, 11, and 18, and on Wednesday, October 30. Tours will last 45 minutes, and will begin at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Dive into the rich history of this historic location while exploring its eerie haunts. This in-person event will take you on a journey through time, revealing the secrets and stories that lurk…
Find out more »Annual Quilt Show closes
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual Quilt Show during the month of October, featuring heirloom and modern quilts from across the state. Cimarron Valley Quilt Guild and Pawnee Bill Quilt Guild members are instrumental in putting together this yearly event. The show opens on Tuesday, October 1, and closes on Thursday, October 31. There is no charge to view the Quilt Show, which is available to visitors during regular hours of operation. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum…
Find out more »Will Rogers Days and Motion Picture Festival
Since the opening of the Will Rogers Memorial in 1938, Claremore has celebrated the birthday of its most famous resident, Will Rogers. The Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival features G- and PG-rated films from artists worldwide. The festival entries will be screened daily in the Will Rogers Theatre. Screenings run Thursday, October 31 through Saturday, November 2. Mark your calendar for these events on Saturday, November 2: 10 a.m. - The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club wreath laying at WRMM 11…
Find out more »Halloween Night at the Museum
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host Halloween Night at the Museum on Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event combines trick-or-treating with an opportunity for children and their families to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Businesses and individuals will share treats and a costume contest will be held with prizes for the best costumes. Halloween Night at the Museum is free and open to all ages. This event has attracted hundreds of costumed characters to…
Find out more »Haunting at the Fort
On Thursday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Fort Gibson Historic Site will be transformed into a great stop for Halloween. Guests can walk through the moonlit grounds, and trick-or-treat and hear music at the historic fort! Those brave enough to venture to the military outpost after dark can expect several rooms decorated by local businesses and plenty of candy for trick-or-treating! Join us for one of the few after-hours, after-dark programs and help us reestablish another Fort…
Find out more »November 2024
Will Rogers Days and Motion Picture Festival
Since the opening of the Will Rogers Memorial in 1938, Claremore has celebrated the birthday of its most famous resident, Will Rogers. The Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival features G- and PG-rated films from artists worldwide. The festival entries will be screened daily in the Will Rogers Theatre. Screenings run Thursday, October 31 through Saturday, November 2. Mark your calendar for these events on Saturday, November 2: 10 a.m. - The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club wreath laying at WRMM 11…
Find out more »A Broader View: The 1893 Land Run in an Era of American Change exhibit closes
A Broader View: The 1893 Land Run in an Era of American Change, will remain open at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center until November 2. It pinpoints the era of the Cherokee Outlet Opening to examine the broader changes occurring across the nation. Comprising approximately seven million acres, the Cherokee Outlet was acquired by the Cherokee Nation under the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. Following the Civil War, the United States forced the Cherokee Nation to relinquish some…
Find out more »Fort Gibson 1870s historic hospital reopens
On Saturday, November 2, the Fort Gibson Historic Site will have a grand celebration to reopen the historic 1870s Fort Gibson Hospital. The public is invited to come and see all the new exhibits in the newly restored building and to meet the site staff who care for this important history. After many years of extensive repairs and the dedicated restoration efforts of the OHS construction staff, the 1870s Hospital will open its doors to the public. The 1870s Hospital will serve as Fort Gibson’s…
Find out more »Blacksmithing Demonstration
On Saturdays, May 4, August 3, and November 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cherokee Strip Museum will hold a Blacksmithing Demonstration in the blacksmith shop. Guests can enjoy watching the craftsmen work and have safe, hands-on experiences. Families are welcome to attend and watch the demonstrations inside the Blacksmith Shop on the grounds of the Cherokee Strip Museum. For more information about all of the activities planned, please call 580-336-2405. Free admission for all, but donations are…
Find out more »The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club wreath laying and “Hats off to Will” luncheon
The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club (Cherokee) will hold a special wreath laying and “Hats off to Will” luncheon on Saturday, November 2, beginning at 10 a.m. The Pocahontas Club will lay a wreath at 10 a.m., to be followed by entertainment and a meal. Admission to the event is free.
Find out more »History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip
Step back in time and experience life in the Cherokee Outlet during History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. On the first and third Saturday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the five historic territorial buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come to life with reenactors dressed in period clothing from the late 1800s. Attendees can sit at school desks in the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse while lessons are…
Find out more »Will Rogers Days Parade
Join the Claremore community as it celebrates Will Rogers’s 145th birthday at the Will Rogers Days Parade, which will begin in downtown Claremore at 3 p.m. on the afternoon of November 2! The 2024 parade theme will be “Will Rogers for President!” The parade lineup starts at 2 p.m. in the Expo parking lot. This year’s parade will be broadcast on television, thanks to RSUTV! Immediately following the parade, at 4 p.m., the WRMM will host a birthday party for…
Find out more »Will Rogers’s Birthday Party with trick ropers Kevin and Will Fitzpatrick
On Saturday, November 2, following the Will Rogers Days Parade, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum will celebrate the 145th anniversary of Oklahoma’s Favorite Son, Will Rogers. He was born on November 4, 1879, in the Cooweescoowee District of the Cherokee Nation. World Champion Trick Roper Kevin Fitzpatrick and his son Will Fitzpatrick will perform at the birthday party. The birthday celebration on the WRMM grounds will include free admission, cake, and other family-friendly activities.
Find out more »Will Rogers Days and Motion Picture Festival Reception
On Saturday, November 2, a special day of events celebrating Will Rogers will take place in Claremore and at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum! Mark your calendar for these events on Saturday, November 2: 10 a.m. - The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club wreath laying at WRMM 11 a.m. - “Hats off to Will Luncheon” at WRMM 3 p.m. - Will Rogers Days Parade, downtown Claremore 4 p.m. - Will Rogers's Birthday Party at WRMM The weekend will wrap up with…
Find out more »Citizen Cowboy: Will Rogers and the American People (2024) book signing and conversation with Steven Watts
On Sunday, November 3, from 4 to 5 p.m., author Steven Watts will have a book signing and discuss his title, Citizen Cowboy: Will Rogers and the American People (2024, Cambridge University Press). About the title: “Citizen Cowboy is a probing biography of one of America’s most influential cultural figures. Will Rogers was a youth from the Cherokee Indian Territory of Oklahoma who rose to conquer nearly every form of media and entertainment in the early twentieth century’s rapidly expanding…
Find out more »“Oklahoma Calabooses: The History and Stories of Oklahoma’s Early Jails” with Michael Mayes
On Thursday, November 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Oklahoma Territorial Museum will have a program with Michael Mayes, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) coordinator for the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). He will discuss “Oklahoma Calabooses: The History and Stories of Oklahoma’s Early Jails.” This program is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. About Michael Mayes Michael Mayes holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s in museum…
Find out more »Museum After Dark: Lantern Tours
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is hosting a Museum After Dark: Lantern Tour event on Friday, November 8, from 7-10 p.m. in the historic Humphrey Heritage Village. Living history interpreters will entertain and educate visitors while sharing their unique historical perspective of life in northwestern Oklahoma before statehood. Short vignettes from living history interpreters will occur at each of the stops on the tour. Tickets are $7 per person. The special lantern tours begin at 7 p.m., with a new group starting…
Find out more »Quilting Workshop
The Quilting Workshop meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sod House Museum for $5 per person. Learn to create appliqué designs, traditional block patterns, original designs, crazy quilts, landscape designs, and paper piecing. New members of any skill level are always encouraged to attend! Share in the happy exchange of shared skills, fun, camaraderie, refreshments, discussions, quilt patterns, and old-fashioned bed turnings at the next quilting workshop. Proceeds directly fund Sod…
Find out more »Cast-Iron Cooking Class
The Chisholm in Kingfisher will host a Cast-Iron Cooking class on Saturday, November 9, from noon to 5 p.m. In this casual, fun class, participants will learn to care for and cook in cast-iron cookware, and will create a Dutch oven delight and participate in a group meal. The class will explore historical and modern recipes while learning backyard cooking skills. This class is restricted to children ages 12 and older with an adult. The class costs $30 per person…
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