“Traveling by Keelboat” living history program
April 22, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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On Saturday, April 22 staff and volunteers at Fort Gibson Historic Site as they demonstrate the operations of a keelboat during a special riverside living history program. The tours to the riverside will run at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tour leaders will meet participants at the palisade office at 110 E Ash, Fort Gibson, at the time of departure and lead the groups to the boat. It is a 5-to-10-minute hike to the boat’s location. Participants must remain with the group at all times. The demonstrations will take about an hour after which the group will be led back to the palisade area.
These riverside demonstrations will show visitors the skills needed to operate a keelboat, which was the way goods and supplies were originally delivered to Fort Gibson. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for a short hike to the riverside to meet historians who will explain the mechanical advantages of pulley systems in water travel and transport. Participants will learn how the speed of keelboats was measured before the advent of the speedometer through interactive presentations by the staff and volunteers.
Fort Gibson Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, is located at 907 N. Garrison Ave. in Fort Gibson.
Due to limited capacity, “Traveling by Keelboat” tickets must be purchased in advance to reserve tour times. Program tickets are nonrefundable. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, March 7, and are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased over the phone by calling 918-478-4088 or stopping by the commissary gift shop Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
