Events Calendar
Events for June 1, 2023 - July 19, 2023
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June 2023
Vintage Snack Sets exhibit opens
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will feature an exhibit of Vintage Snack Sets from Thursday, June 1 to Friday, June 30. When women in the mid-20th century hosted teas, coffees, or church socials, they would wear their “Sunday best” and bring out pretty snack sets that included a plate with a round indention to hold the matching cup. This exhibit includes pieces by manufacturers such as Anchor Hocking, Hazel-Atlas, the Indiana Glass Company, Royal Windsor, Queen Anne,…
Find out more »Will Rogers for President exhibit opens
On Thursday, June 1, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum (WRMM) in Claremore opens a new exhibit Will Rogers for President, highlighting the history behind his mock presidential campaign 95 years ago. In May 1928, LIFE magazine ran an entertaining story promoting the idea that Will Rogers was running for president. The article appealed to “dissatisfied voters of both parties,” touting that Rogers was a perfect fit for the candidacy. Taking the suggestion of his nomination by the “Anti-Bunk Party” as a…
Find out more »Clem Rogers and the Legacy of the Rogers Ranch exhibit opens
On Thursday, June 1, the exhibit Clem Rogers and the Legacy of the Rogers Ranch opened at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. In the shadow of the iconic statue of Will Rogers in the Will Rogers Memorial Museum’s rotunda is a new exhibit telling the story of his father, Clem Rogers, and the Rogers Ranch. Founded in the 1800s, it is where Clem returned with his family in 1870 after the Civil War and lived until moving to Claremore…
Find out more »Hidden Oklahoma: “Geoarchaeology” presentation by Dr. Debra Green
On Thursday, June 1, at 2 p.m. (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will hold a free virtual webinar on geoarchaeology and what it has taught us about Oklahoma's past, presented by Dr. Debra Green. This presentation is part of SHPO's 2023 Archaeology speaker series Hidden Oklahoma: How Archaeology Reveals Secrets From Our Past. Hidden Oklahoma guest archaeologists and researchers discuss important sites in Oklahoma and illustrate why archaeology is critical to understanding our history. Register for the…
Find out more »Guided tours
Honey Springs Battlefield is pleased to announce a unique tour opportunity at the site. Students from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) will serve as tour guides on the six trails that cross the 1,100-acre battlefield on three Saturdays in June: June 3 and 10, as well as, Saturday, July 1. The students will point out the exact locations of military actions, highlight key aspects of the engagement, and discuss its historical importance. Normally, the park and…
Find out more »Musket Cleaning demonstration
Staff at the Fort Gibson Historic Site will host four musket-cleaning demonstrations on Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 3 p.m. on both days. These demonstrations will show visitors the behind-the-scenes work of musket maintenance done by staff members before and after historical programs at the site. Muskets are muzzle-loaded long guns that evolved in 16th-century Spain. Rifles eventually replaced them. The musket cleaning…
Find out more »Quilting workshop with Martha Ray
The Quilting workshop with Martha Ray meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sod House Museum at a cost of $5 per person. Martha Ray teaches how 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, and camaraderie, door prizes, refreshments, discussions, and quilt patterns, along…
Find out more »Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show
The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will celebrate the lives of Major Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, his wife May Lillie, and their famous Wild West Shows with a one-day celebration on Saturday, June 10. Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the original historic ranch site. Stagecoaches will roll amid thundering horse hooves while the lightning of gunfire explodes around Pawnee Bill, May, and their cohorts, as the talented performers…
Find out more »Crochet a Market Bag workshop
On Saturday, June 10, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will host a crocheted market bag workshop for ages 16 and up. The cost of the class includes all materials for each participant to make and take their own market bag while learning the crochet pattern, perfect for a trip to the farmers market or grocery store. Participants with an advanced beginner level of crocheting with a basic understanding of crochet stitches are recommended for this…
Find out more »The People’s House film screening at deadCenter Film Festival
On Sunday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m., a new documentary on the Oklahoma State Capitol will premiere at the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City. The People’s House was directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Inasmuch Foundation and the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS). A documentary on the Oklahoma State Capitol will premiere at the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City. “The People’s House” was directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support…
Find out more »“American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach 1” Enid Summer Chautauqua
The Enid Chautauqua invites guests to step back in time with stories and anecdotes from historical figures at the FREE PROGRAMS of the 2023 Summer Chautauqua “American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach 1” hosted by the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC). Due to the weather, the Thursday, June 15 evening performance of Chautauqua will occur at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Enid campus. The musical entertainment will still perform at 6:30 p.m., and Ilene Evans will still portray Rose Cousins…
Find out more »“American Aviation: Barnstorming to Mach 1” Enid Summer Chautauqua *moving to NWOSU campus due to weather*
Due to the weather, the Thursday, June 15 evening performance of Chautauqua will occur at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Enid campus located at 2929 Randolph Avenue in Enid. The musical entertainment will still perform at 6:30 p.m., and Ilene Evans will still portray Rose Cousins at 7:30 p.m.** However, there will be NO FOOD TRUCKS on campus. The Enid Chautauqua invites guests to step back in time with stories and anecdotes from historical figures at the FREE PROGRAMS of…
Find out more »Story Time at Hunter’s Home
Every month, from March to June, Hunter’s Home will have a monthly story time for children of all ages. Watch for a new book title to be introduced every third Thursday of each month! Story time titles will feature The Mitten (1996) by Jan Brett in April; Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt (2017), by Kate Messner in May; and Dance at Grandpa’s (1995), by Laura Ingalls Wilder in June. Adding to the stories, parents and children are…
Find out more »“Freedom Songs” Juneteenth Celebration
The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will celebrate Juneteenth with “Freedom Songs” on Thursday, June 15, from 5-8 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation following the American Civil War. On June 19, 1865, US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery at Galveston, Texas. News of emancipation spread north to the enslaved people in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) at different times during the summer of 1865. However, emancipation was not immediate for…
Find out more »“19th-Century Weapons and Tools of Survival” presentation by Seth Goff
A program at Hunter’s Home on Saturday, June 17, will focus on historic firearms. Seth Goff, historical interpreter at Hunter’s Home, will present a selection of reproduction and original firearms used for self-defense, hunting, or recreational shooting during the 1840s and 1850s. The program will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. and is free with paid admission. For more information, call 918-456-2751. Hunter’s Home is located at 19479 E. Murrell Home Rd. in Park Hill. It is Oklahoma’s only remaining pre-Civil War…
Find out more »Kids Make History: Scavenger Hunt
Young visitors are encouraged to learn about history on the third Saturday of each month through fun, hands-on historic activities during the Kids Make History series at the Fort Towson Historic Site. The research-based programs will include games, cooking, historic arts and crafts, and reenacting skills. On June 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., Fort Towson Historic Site will have a come-and-go scavenger hunt, encouraging kids to locate and photograph a list of items that will be hidden inside the…
Find out more »Question-and-answer session for First Kansas Colored Infantry Volunteer Regiment
Fort Gibson Historic Site is calling for interested parties to join its inaugural First Kansas Colored Infantry Volunteer Regiment living history group. Fort Gibson and Honey Springs Battlefield have partnered to develop a regiment to help conduct programming depicting the All-Black Civil War regiment that was instrumental in helping the US Army defeat Confederate forces in Indian Territory, most notably in the Battle of Honey Springs. The First Kansas Colored Infantry was made up of free Black and formerly enslaved…
Find out more »Will’s Wild West Kids Camp *full*
This camp is full to capacity. Grab your lasso and join the fun at Will‘s Wild West Kids Camp June 19–21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum (WRMM) in Claremore. Will’s Wild West Kids Camp will transport participants back in time to the Wild West with hands-on activities in a fun and entertaining learning environment. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in nature programs, crafts, period dancing, 19th-century games, train rides, and much…
Find out more »Youth Hand-Stitched Soccer Ball workshop
On Tuesday, June 20, from noon to 4 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will host a workshop for ages 9 to 17 teaching the steps in constructing a hand-stitched soccer ball made of faux leather. The cost of the class includes all materials for each participant to make and take home their own functional soccer ball. The class cost is $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Registration for this class ends on June 14.
Find out more »“Finding the Girls: Records for Researching Women” Lunch and Learn webinar
On Wednesday, June 21, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will host a FREE Lunch and Learn webinar entitled "Finding the Girls: Records for Researching Women" presentation by Dr. Debra Osborne Spindle. Researching women can be difficult at any time period in history. This presentation will share and discuss useful records for investigating women in history and will present case studies to demonstrate the effective use of these records. Register for the webinar. At left, Pearl Folsom (Choctaw), creation…
Find out more »Spoon Ring for Teens Metalsmithing workshop
On Wednesday, June 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will host a workshop about making a simple wrap ring by repurposing old spoons. This workshop focuses on a popular jewelry trend, perfect for beginners ages 12 and up to learn the basic steps of jewelry-making. The cost of the class includes all materials for each participant to make and take their own upcycled spoon ring home! The class cost is $30 for members and $45 for…
Find out more »Guided tours *canceled*
The Guided tours previously scheduled for Saturday, June 24, have been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Find out more »Haversack Sewing workshop with Dr. Larry Toll
Fort Gibson Historic Site will host a haversack sewing workshop on Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from 12 to 1 p.m. Lunch is not provided in this workshop. A haversack is a small bag with a single shoulder strap. It was issued to the 19th-century soldier to carry his food rations and some personal gear while the soldier was on the march and was carried by some traveling civilians. The haversacks at…
Find out more »Hands-On Historic Skills: “Chicken, Newspapers, and Pencils: Union Camp Life during the American Civil War”
Have you ever wondered what camp life was like for 19th-century soldiers, especially during the American Civil War?
On June 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Fort Towson Historic Site will be hosting a come-and-go program to teach visitors about the camp life experiences of Union soldiers. Visitors will get to view various reproduction items that will provide them with an understanding that military life in that era was comprised of much more than fighting, marching, and drilling.
This program is free with the price of general admission to the site.
Find out more »“First Kansas Colored Infantry and Native Home Guard regiments at the Battle of Honey Springs” presentation by Art T. Burton
Honey Springs Battlefield will host a special presentation about the African American soldiers who fought for the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry and the Native Home Guard Regiments at the Battle of Honey Springs. The presentation will occur on Sunday, June 25, at 3 p.m. inside the Honey Springs Visitor Center. Retired professor and award-winning author Art T. Burton will discuss the relationship of African Americans and Native Americans in the Indian Territory during the Civil War for combatants and…
Find out more »Simple Ring Metalsmithing workshop
On Tuesday, June 27, from noon to 5 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will host a workshop to teach participants how to create a simple sterling silver ring while learning basic jewelry-making skills. The cost of the class includes all materials for each participant to make and take home their own silver band ring. The class is for ages 16 and up and the cost is $65 for members and $80 for nonmembers. Registration for this class ends on…
Find out more »Sports Night at OHC
On Thursday, June 29, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will host Sports Night for K–12 students and their families. This free, fun-filled, family-friendly event will include activities, drills, games, crafts, and prizes. Visitors can participate in the activities, explore the exhibits, and learn all about Oklahoma’s sports history! Children and their families will connect with local organizations participating include the Oklahoma City Dodgers, USA Softball, and Twister City Roller Derby. Families can also catch a…
Find out more »Wheels exhibit closes
An exhibit at the Cherokee Strip Museum exploring the many uses of wheels will remain open until Friday, June 30. From an 1800s-era spinning wheel to the four wheels of a 1900s Studebaker “Junior” wagon, to push lawnmowers, hand-cranked butter churns and cast-iron pulleys, this exhibit is designed to have you going in circles. This “bespoke” collection of every wheel, of every type, comprises the museum’s newest exhibit Wheels. For more information about all or the exhibits and programs at…
Find out more »Vintage Snack Sets exhibit closes
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will feature an exhibit of Vintage Snack Sets from Thursday, June 1 to Friday, June 30. From the 1940s to the 1970s, women hosted teas, coffees, or church socials. On these special occasions, they would wear their "Sunday best" and bring out pretty snack sets that included a plate with a round indention to hold the matching cup. This exhibit includes pieces by manufacturers such as Anchor Hocking, Hazel-Atlas, the Indiana Glass…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Sullivan’s Travels (1941)
Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a Movie Night featuring the film Sullivan's Travels (1941), in its theater on Friday, June 30, at 7 p.m.
“Horsing Around with Will” will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., during which families can enjoy activities and crafts relating to the movie’s theme. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. This event is FREE to attend, thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Commerce. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Will Rogers Movie Night is held on the last Friday of the month.
Find out more »July 2023
“A History of Oklahoma’s 46-Star Flag” presentation by Karen Smith Hunter
The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue will host a special presentation on the history of Oklahoma’s first flag on Saturday, July 1, at 11 a.m. Karen Smith Hunter will be the featured presenter. Oklahoma became a state in 1907, but the first state flag was not adopted until 1911. It consisted of a red field with a five-pointed, white star edged with blue. The number 46 in blue, denoting Oklahoma’s position as the 46th state, was placed in the star’s…
Find out more »Overnight at the Chuck Wagon *event is full*
Pack your sleeping bag, pajamas, toothbrush, and toothpaste for Overnight at the Chuck Wagon at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. This overnight event will take place from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 7, to 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 8. This event is for children ages 5–12, accompanied by at least one adult. Participants will bed down in various parts of the museum for a night of 19th-century activities, movies, arts and crafts, games, and storytelling, with a chuck wagon…
Find out more »Quilting workshop with Martha Ray
The Quilting workshop with Martha Ray meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Sod House Museum at a cost of $5 per person. Ray teaches how 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, door prizes, refreshments, discussions, quilt patterns, and old-fashioned bed…
Find out more »Experimenting with Sun Printing class
On Saturday, July 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Oklahoma History Center will host an Experimenting with Sun Printing class. Students will learn cyanotype processes and create their own artwork using native plants and sun printing techniques. Photographer and artist Jim Meeks will be the instructor. Meeks is the photo editor in the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Division. The class costs $30 for members of the Oklahoma Historical Society and $40 for nonmembers. All supplies are included in the…
Find out more »Watch Out for Flying Chairs: Professional Wrestling in Oklahoma exhibit opens
On Tuesday, July 11, from 4–6 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will hold an opening event for the photography exhibit Watch Out for Flying Chairs: Professional Wrestling in Oklahoma. The exhibit examines professional wrestling in Oklahoma from its emergence in traveling carnivals to today. Oklahoma has been at the forefront of professional wrestling through its continued popularity across communities, as well as the contributions of Oklahomans in and out of the squared circle. Over the last 80 years, traditional wrestling…
Find out more »“How to Advocate for Route 66 Resources” Lunch and Learn webinar
On Thursday, July 13, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will host a free, virtual Lunch and Learn webinar entitled “How to Advocate for Route 66 Resources.” In this session, Kaisa Barthuli, Program Manager of the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, will talk about the history and significance of Route 66 in Oklahoma and will share information and resources on how to preserve Route 66 buildings, signs, roadbed, and bridges in your community. Register for…
Find out more »Battle of Honey Springs Memorial Service
Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service honoring the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah on Saturday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m. John Beaver, curator for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Cultural Center and Archives, will be the guest speaker. The memorial service will be held outside on the lawn of the visitor center. The program will include a welcome and opening remarks from site director Adam Lynn and the presentation of colors by the…
Find out more »Kids Make History
Young people can learn about the natural world around us with a forestry program presented by Oklahoma Forestry Services Education Coordinator Tony Pascall. The program will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, and will feature hands-on activities that teach about what the forest is, the role of the forest, and how people can better interact and care for a forest. Pascall plans and implements education and outreach events for schools, clubs, scout groups, and more all around the…
Find out more »USCIS Naturalization Ceremony
On Tuesday, July 18, at 10 a.m., the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will host a naturalization ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center. Eligible candidates from across Oklahoma will take the Oath of Allegiance, the final step to becoming a US citizen. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Estela Hernandez, field representative for US Senator James Lankford, will be the guest speaker. Register for the event. The Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting *canceled*
The Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting previously scheduled for July 19 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.
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