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October 2020
Family Day at the Birthplace Ranch
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch will host Family Day at the Ranch on Saturday, October 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, visitors will get a glimpse of what life was like in the early days of the ranch during Will Rogers’s childhood! Family Day at the Ranch is free and open to the public, and donations are appreciated.
Find out more »Annual Quilt Show closes
Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its Annual Quilt Show during the entire 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. There is no charge to view the quilt show, which is available to visitors during regular hours of operation. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and…
Find out more »November 2020
“Voting During a Pandemic,” Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the program “Voting During a Pandemic,” on Tuesday, November 3, at 3 p.m. This event is free, but preregistration is required. The program is part of a new, engaging series of online talks from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The program will use the virtual platform to present historical objects in the national collections to lend perspective on the current pandemic. By virtually sharing…
Find out more »“Contested Notions of Equality,” This Land is Herland series presentation (virtual)
The Oklahoma Historical Society and the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center are pleased to present This Land is Herland, a series of programs on women’s activism in Oklahoma sponsored by Oklahoma Humanities. The third program, “Contested Notions of Equality,” will be held Thursday, November 5 at 7 p.m. The event will be conducted virtually and will include presentations by three scholars. Following the presentations, the scholars will be available to answer questions from the online audience. This online program will…
Find out more »Oklahoma History Center’s 15th Anniversary Celebration
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Oklahoma History Center, all visitors will receive free admission beginning Tuesday, November 17, through Saturday, November 21, sponsored by the Inasmuch Foundation.
Find out more »December 2020
“Life at Hunter’s Home: Winter Celebrations” begins (virtual)
December at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill is all about winter celebrations, and staff members aim to continue the tradition through the “Life at Hunter’s Home” Facebook group. The new Facebook group launched in October to bring a version of the site’s events and programs to a larger audience while keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate the holidays, the Facebook group will be free to join during the month of December. The merry activities and videos that…
Find out more »Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story film screening
Eighty-five years after the implementation of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) by President Roosevelt, the Oklahoma History Center and the Smithsonian Channel are excited to present a screening of Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story. This screening will be held on Saturday, December 5, at 1 p.m., and is included with paid admission to the Oklahoma History Center. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Admission is free for OHS members; children five and under; and…
Find out more »“Life at Hunter’s Home: Winter Celebrations” concludes (virtual)
December at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill is all about winter celebrations, and staff members aim to continue the tradition through the “Life at Hunter’s Home” Facebook group. The new Facebook group launched in October to bring a version of the site’s events and programs to a larger audience while keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate the holidays, the Facebook group will be free to join during the month of December. The merry activities and videos that…
Find out more »January 2021
Movie Night featuring Baby Brother (1927) and Telling Whoppers (1926)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night on Friday, January 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movies beginning at 7 p.m. Featured movies will be Our Gang’s Baby Brother (1927) and Telling Whoppers (1926). Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance because of limited seating. Please call 918-343-8113 or visit www.willrogers.com/shindig to reserve your ticket.
Find out more »February 2021
“Race and Place: Yellow Fever and the Free African Society in Philadelphia,” Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program “Race and Place: Yellow Fever and the Free African Society in Philadelphia,” on Tuesday, February 2, at 3 p.m. This event is free, but preregistration is required. The program is part of a series of online talks from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The program will use the virtual platform to present historical objects in the national collections to lend perspective…
Find out more »“Blacks on the Oklahoma Frontier: Lawmen, Outlaws, Cowboys, Cowgirls, and Rodeos,” the third Oklahoma African American Film Festival (virtual)
The program will be available at okhistory.org/learn/filmfestival at 6 p.m. on February 6. On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 6 p.m. the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Black Heritage Committee will present “Blacks on the Oklahoma Frontier: Lawmen, Outlaws, Cowboys, Cowgirls, and Rodeos,” the third Oklahoma African American Film Festival. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s festival will be held virtually. The online festival is free to the public, and no registration is necessary. The focus of this year’s festival…
Find out more »“Indian Territory, 1863: Strategy & Logistics in the Decisive Year” presentation by Dr. Zac Cowsert (virtual)
Honey Springs Battlefield will host “Indian Territory, 1863: Strategy & Logistics in the Decisive Year,” a live virtual lecture on Friday, February 12 at 2 p.m. CST (3 EST). In this hour-long lecture, Dr. Zac Cowsert will explore both Union and Confederate strategies, logistical hurdles, and key engagements of the Civil War’s most decisive year in Indian Territory. A unique theater of the Civil War, commanders in Indian Territory commanded biracial and triracial armies, managed large refugee populations, and struggled…
Find out more »Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters available online (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will begin streaming the Smithsonian program Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters on February 23. The program gives a behind-the-scenes look at Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell Music as they go from the studio to the stage. The stream will be available on the History Center's Facebook page until Friday, February 26. On that day, the Oklahoma History Center also will host a live-streamed panel event with Our Native…
Find out more »“Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters” panel event (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will host a live-streamed panel event with musicians Amythyst Kiah, Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell of Our Native Daughters. The musicians will discuss their history and music Friday, February 26 at 11 a.m. Visit the Oklahoma History Center's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/okhistorycenter to watch the live stream. The Oklahoma History Center will also stream the Smithsonian program Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters on Facebook from February 23 to 26. The…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Laurel and Hardy in Sons of the Desert (1933)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night on Friday, February 26 featuring Laurel and Hardy in Sons of the Desert (1933). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movies beginning at 7 p.m.
Find out more »March 2021
“African American Women’s Activism in Historical Perspective” program (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program, “African American Women’s Activism in Historical Perspective,” on Wednesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. This event is free to watch on Zoom, but preregistration is required. This program is part of a series of Smithsonian Affiliations’ Virtual Scholar Talks celebrating Women’s History Month, as well as discussing the Smithsonian’s latest book, Smithsonian American Women. It will highlight objects related to African American women’s…
Find out more »GM Futurliner No. 10 on display
A rare piece of automotive history will arrive at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, March 4. The 1940 GM Futurliner No. 10 will be on display in the circle driveway of the History Center from noon to 1 p.m. There were 12 Futurliners manufactured, with the purpose of transporting all of the components of the “Parade of Progress” exposition. The exhibition started touring the country in 1936 to give the public free demonstrations of the scientific and technological achievements…
Find out more »“Lena Richard and Julia Child: Two Women Who Changed Culinary History” program (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program, “Lena Richard and Julia Child: Two Women Who Changed Culinary History,” on Wednesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. This event is free to watch on Zoom, but preregistration is required. This program is part of a series of Smithsonian Affiliations’ Virtual Scholar Talks celebrating Women’s History Month, as well as discussing the Smithsonian’s latest book, Smithsonian American Women. Through their cookbooks, teaching, and…
Find out more »On the Peak Lecture: Women‘s Suffrage (virtual)
In this On the Peak Lecture, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will discuss the women's suffrage movement in America, and its impact on Oklahoma. This free program will be available via Facebook Live. Visit www.facebook.com/pawneebillranch on Wednesday, March 17, from noon to 1 p.m. to watch.
Find out more »“Women in Aerospace: Stories from the Smithsonian Collection” program (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program, “Women in Aerospace: Stories from the Smithsonian Collection,” on Wednesday, March 17, at 4 p.m. This event is free to watch on Zoom, but preregistration is required. This program is part of a series of Smithsonian Affiliations’ Virtual Scholar Talks celebrating Women’s History Month, as well as discussing the Smithsonian’s latest book, Smithsonian American Women. Featured speaker Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, Curator and Department…
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 historic buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village come alive with reenactors who are tending their shops, working their trades, or socializing at the Village Church. Visitors can learn about different skills and trades of the time, or…
Find out more »“Collecting COVID-19 at the National Museum of American History,” Pandemic Perspectives: Stories Through Collections (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program “Collecting COVID-19 at the National Museum of American History” on Tuesday, March 23, at 3 p.m. COVID-19 has dramatically altered the United States, impacting almost every aspect of everyday life. For museums that document the history of their communities, collecting around COVID-19 has posed multiple challenges. Panelists will share their thoughts on the pandemic’s impact on communities and discuss how the National Museum…
Find out more »“Ancient Worlds Contemporary Selves: Smithsonian Scholars Explore Intersectionality” program (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program, “Ancient Worlds Contemporary Selves: Smithsonian Scholars Explore Intersectionality,” on Wednesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. This event is free to watch on Zoom, but preregistration is required. This program is part of a series of Smithsonian Affiliations’ Virtual Scholar Talks celebrating Women’s History Month, as well as discussing the Smithsonian’s latest book, Smithsonian American Women. In this discussion, scholars from the National Museum…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Mr. Skitch (1933)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night on Friday, March 26 featuring Will Rogers in Mr. Skitch (1933). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance because of limited seating. Please call 918-343-8113 or visit www.willrogers.com/shindig to reserve your ticket.
Find out more »National Vietnam War Veterans Day and Tip of the Spear exhibit opening
In observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) will host a ceremony to honor those who served in the US armed services during the Vietnam War on Monday, March 29, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The event will include the opening of Tip of the Spear, a new outdoor exhibit featuring a Huey helicopter. The ceremony will take place on the campus of the OHC, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. For…
Find out more »“Women Artists Respond to Place” program (virtual)
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Oklahoma History Center will offer a virtual portal to the Smithsonian program, “Women Artists Respond to Place,” on Wednesday, March 31, at 4 p.m. This event is free to watch on Zoom, but preregistration is required. This program is part of a series of Smithsonian Affiliations’ Virtual Scholar Talks celebrating Women’s History Month, as well as discussing the Smithsonian’s latest book, Smithsonian American Women. In this discussion, the significance of landscapes, places, and narratives of…
Find out more »April 2021
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, April 3, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Egg Hunt is cosponsored by the local Pawnee Lions Club and the Pawnee Chamber of Commerce. The hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m., signaled by Pawnee Bill, portrayed by Kevin Webb, firing his pistol. The Egg Hunt is spread out over many acres of the historic site. Thousands of eggs will be hidden, including gold and silver prize eggs containing money…
Find out more »Will Rogers Memorial Museum Easter Egg Hunt
Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3. This year, the museum is teaming up with Cedar Point Church to offer this event. The egg hunt begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. on the museum grounds, so be sure to arrive early. The Easter Bunny will hide thousands of candy-filled eggs for the children to find, and some eggs will contain special prizes. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
Find out more »Sunrise Service
On Sunday, April 4, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will host its annual nondenominational Sunrise Service. The service will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Blue Hawk Peak, the highest point on the ranch grounds. The service is led by the Pawnee Ministerial Alliance and is a community-wide tradition. Participants are asked to bring their own seating and dress appropriately for the outdoors. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Road in Pawnee.
Find out more »Blacksmithing Demonstrations and Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association Regional Meeting
The Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association will once again hold their monthly meeting at the Cherokee Strip Museum's Blacksmith Shop on Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at the craft, or if you just enjoy watching these craftsmen do what they love, come and join us. The Saltfork Craftsmen enjoy teaching young and old alike! We will start firing up the forge at 10 a.m. This event is free…
Find out more »Will’s Barter Bash
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum has come up with a clever way to clear out your closets and exchange goods and toys without spending a red cent. Think of the event as a barter-style picnic—the perfect place to trade unwanted, unused, or excess items and find other things that one may need or want. The event takes place beside the sunken gardens with lots of space for each family to set out a blanket full of treasure. Children can trade…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Buster Keaton in Cops and One Week
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night in the newly renovated Will Rogers Theatre on Friday, April 30, featuring Buster Keaton in Cops (1922) and One Week (1920). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movies beginning at 7 p.m. This event is free to attend thanks to sponsorship by Bank of Commerce. Guests can enjoy free popcorn and drinks. Masks are required. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance because of limited seating.…
Find out more »May 2021
Birthday Bash
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the opening of Spiro Mounds on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with its annual Birthday Bash. The site will celebrate its 43rd year of increasing awareness of Oklahoma archaeology with birthday cake and free admission all day, although donations will be gratefully accepted. There also will be a history of the Spiro Mounds site at 2 p.m. presented by site manager and archaeologist Dennis Peterson. Regular…
Find out more »Pawnee Bill Goes Pop: Comic Books
Come and join us for a fun, hands-on art exhibit on Saturday, May 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. This summer we will explore all the unique qualities that led to Pawnee Bill becoming a pop culture icon. In Comic Books, we invite kids and adults to make their own comic book panel while exploring a small exhibit about how comic books and dime novels shaped our image of the west.
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Will Rogers in Doubting Thomas
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night in the newly renovated Will Rogers Theatre on Friday, May 28, featuring Will Rogers in Doubting Thomas (1935). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. This event is free to attend thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Commerce. Guests can enjoy free popcorn and drinks. Masks are required. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance because of limited seating. Please call…
Find out more »June 2021
Pawnee Bill Goes Pop: Art as History
Come and join us at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum for a fun, hands-on art exhibit on Saturday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. This summer we will explore all the unique qualities that led to Pawnee Bill becoming a pop culture icon. In Art as History, we explore the often complex relationship of telling personal stories or meaning through the art of beading. We welcome adults and children to come and view some of our beautiful beadwork, be inspired…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Laurel and Hardy in silent movie shorts by director Hal Roach
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host a Movie Night in the newly renovated Will Rogers Theatre on Friday, June 23, featuring silent movie shorts by director Hal Roach, featuring the classic films Mixed Nuts (1922), Blotto (1930), and Helpmates (1932). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movies beginning at 7 p.m. This event is free to attend thanks to sponsorship by the Bank of Commerce. Guests can enjoy free popcorn and drinks. Masks are required. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved in…
Find out more »Pioneer Woman Museum Craft Fair and Family Fun Day
Join the fun this year when the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue celebrate the old-fashioned way with a Craft Fair and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. This is a community-friendly event when local crafters and artisans will be selling their handmade and hand-sewn items at stations around the museum. The craft fair items for sale will include fabric masks, hand-sewn aprons, wall hangings, dolls, paper crafts, wreaths, jewelry, and Tupperware. This family-friendly…
Find out more »July 2021
Will’s Barter Bash *Canceled*
This event has been canceled. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum has come up with a clever way to clear out your closets and exchange goods and toys without spending a red cent. Think of the event as a barter-style picnic—the perfect place to trade unwanted, unused, or excess items and find other things that one may need or want. The event takes place beside the sunken gardens with lots of space for each family to set out a blanket full…
Find out more »Pawnee Bill Goes Pop: Reclaimed Art
Come and join us at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum for a fun, hands-on art exhibit on Saturday, July 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. This summer we will explore all the unique qualities that led to Pawnee Bill becoming a pop culture icon. In Reclaimed Art, we explore the world of conservation and how bison are part of our national identity. Children and adults are invited to come and make a bison portrait from recycled products and learn the amazing…
Find out more »