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May 2026
Night Tour at Fort Towson
Experience history on Friday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. with a one-hour guided night tour at Fort Towson Historic Site. Fort Towson Director David Reed and OHS Board Member Kenny Sivard will lead you along the parade ground and through the fort’s ruins, sharing stories from firsthand accounts of stationed soldiers. Bring your family for this special evening event as the site stays open after hours. By candlelight lantern, the historians will guide guests of all ages across the parade…
Find out more »Art of the Wish exhibit closes
Art of the Wish will remain on exhibit in the J. E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation Gallery of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center through May 23. About the exhibit: “If you had a wish for the world, what would it be? In 2017, two artists spent six months traveling the country, talking to dozens of 80- to 100-plus-year-olds, asking that very question. Marn Jensen and Andy Newcom contacted senior living communities, visited hospices, and connected with caregivers to…
Find out more »The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma exhibit opens
Oklahoma proudly claims the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation, spanning more than 400 miles. This legendary highway helped shape the heart and soul of Oklahoma, and now a new exhibit brings its story to life with a treasure trove of artifacts, from the monumental to the miniature.
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma exhibit will open on Saturday, May 23.
For 100 years, Route 66 has captured the imagination of the world. Created in 1926, Route 66 connected local, state, and national roads into a highway stretching more than 2,000 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This effort was part of a broader push to create a nationwide system of highways connecting cities and towns across the country.
Find out more »AANHPI Collective History Day
Join us this May as we celebrate Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month. To honor their contributions to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Historical Society will host AANHPI Collective History Day in partnership with the Asian Festival by the Asia Society of Oklahoma (ASO). This event will take place at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring historical recognitions, traditional and modern art performances, educational cultural booths, and the crowning of the next ASO royalty representatives.
Admission to AANHPI Collective History Day is free. Attendees may visit the Oklahoma History Center Museum galleries on the day of the event at a special group rate admission. Food trucks in the parking lot will offer authentic cuisine for purchase.
Find out more »Eerie Oklahoma: Ghosts, Legends, and Haunted Places book signing with author Heather Woodward
Join paranormal author and investigator Heather Woodward for a live book talk on Eerie Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum on Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m. Woodward has spent years digging into Oklahoma’s strangest corners. Haunted locations, local legends, and the kind of stories people usually only whisper about after dark. If you like your history a little haunted and your reality slightly questionable, you’ll feel right at home. Woodward will discuss the research behind Eerie Oklahoma, share stories…
Find out more »Live at the Museum with Kyle Dillingham
On Wednesday evening, May 27, the Museum of the Western Prairie will host a live music event featuring artist Kyle Dillingham. Live at the Museum with Kyle Dillingham will play multiple instruments across a wide range of pieces, including some of his own and others from around the world. Dillingham started playing the violin when he was nine. While still in high school, Kyle was featured twice on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and performed with legends Roy Clark and Hank…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring A League of Their Own (1992)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a movie night featuring A League of Their Own (1992) in its theatre on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. Movie Night is a popular community event that offers a place for families and friends to connect on the last Friday of every month. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the…
Find out more »Dutch Oven Gathering
The Fort Towson Historic Site will host its quarterly Dutch Oven Gathering on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event is FREE for participants and guests. All are welcome to participate in this informal event, led by a group of cooks. The talents of local cast iron chefs will be on display at the Fort Towson Historic Site, with each person setting up their outdoor kitchen and preparing delicious treats. The event will be a time for…
Find out more »Blacksmithing Demonstrations *canceled*
On select Saturdays in March, April, May, and June, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School will hold a come-and-go blacksmithing demonstration. Guests can enjoy watching traditional metalworking techniques in action and learn about the time-honored craft of blacksmithing. Families are welcome to safely attend and watch the demonstrations inside the Blacksmith Shop on the grounds of the Cherokee Strip Museum. For more information, please call 580-336-2405. Admission is free, but donations are…
Find out more »June 2026
Summer activities at the Oklahoma History Center
Looking for the perfect summer activities for your family? This summer, visit the Oklahoma History Center to experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma with hands-on exploration and learning. Throughout the month of June and July, set your own pace through the Oklahoma History Center galleries and enjoy make-and-take crafts, scavenger hunts, and/or other activities in a museum setting. All activities will be included with regular admission. Did you know? The Oklahoma History Center…
Find out more »Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission will meet on the following dates in 2026. All meetings will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Tuesday, December 1, 2026 Unless otherwise indicated, meetings will be held in the Chesapeake Event Center on the first floor of the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, 73105. Agendas will be posted at okhistory.org/commission at…
Find out more »Vintage Snack Sets exhibit opens
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy will feature an exhibit of Vintage Snack Sets from Wednesday, June 3, to Tuesday, 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 indentation 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 »History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip
Step back in time and experience life in the Cherokee Outlet during History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, a living history program at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. It takes place throughout the year on the first and third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The five historic buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village, dating back to the territorial era, come to life with living history interpreters dressed in period clothing from the…
Find out more »100 Years of Kumback Lunch exhibit closes
See the exhibit 100 Years of Kumback Lunch at the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, serving up treasures from the Kumback Lunch, Perry’s beloved hometown diner. Thanks to owner Marilee Macias, these keepsakes will invite visitors to explore the eatery’s rich history.
When the Kumback Lunch first opened its doors in 1926, it welcomed guests with only six barstools, a counter, and a humble “EAT” sign. Today, it proudly claims to be one of Oklahoma’s oldest continuously operated restaurants, a downtown Perry landmark famous for its timeless comfort food and irresistible desserts.
Through the decades, the Kumback Lunch has welcomed everyone from celebrities and dignitaries to the infamous outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd. Remarkably, it has had just three owners over the years, preserving its unique spirit.
Find out more »Brushes in the Heartland exhibit opens
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will open the Brushes in the Heartland exhibit beginning on Tuesday, June 9. The exhibit will feature the works of two art teachers, Charla Enns and Jena Kodesh, both raised in Oklahoma and married to farmers, who developed a deep appreciation for the land and all it provides.
Brushes in the Heartland celebrates rural life through expressive brushstrokes and vivid imagery, paying tribute to Oklahoma’s captivating landscapes. Enns and Kodesh bring the state’s fields, wildflowers, trees, and shifting skies to life, capturing the spirit of each season.
Find out more »Lunch and Learn: “How to Use The Gateway to Research Your Historic Property” webinar
On Wednesday, June 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office will present a free, virtual webinar about using The Gateway to Oklahoma History—the Oklahoma Historical Society’s digital sharing portal—for researching historic properties. Chad Williams, director of the Research Division at the Oklahoma Historical Society, will lead a session. Register today!
Find out more »Update on Capital Improvement Projects at Fort Gibson
On Wednesday, June 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Fort Gibson Historic Site staff and Oklahoma Historical Society leadership will be on-site to meet with community members curious about the capital improvements underway at the fort. The public is welcome to stop by and learn about current and upcoming projects at the Fort Gibson Historic Site. Light refreshments will be available. The OHS staff and leadership look forward to talking with folks about the work currently underway at the site…
Find out more »“Territorial Medicine” lecture with Ben Folger
Come to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library for a lecture on the history of territorial medicine with PhD student Ben Folger. Folger will be presenting his research on medical frontiers in Oklahoma, their relation to the history of tribal medicine, and the professionalization of medicine. Ben Folger is a first-year PhD student studying the history of medicine in the American West. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2022, earning his MA with his thesis entitled, “‘A…
Find out more »Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show
The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum celebrates Major Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, his wife May Lillie, and their famous Wild West Shows each June. Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show is held at the original historic ranch site. Stagecoaches roll amid thundering hooves, while the thunder of gunfire rumbles around Pawnee Bill, May, and their cohorts as the talented performers thrill and amaze audiences. This year’s theme is “The Best of Pawnee Bill” and will feature acts from the…
Find out more »OkieTales Storytime
Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum on select Saturdays in June from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for OkieTales story time at the Oklahoma History Center. Staff will read a history-themed book and engage young guests in a hands-on or active activity. Some story time days will include a living history element. OkieTales story time and activities are geared toward elementary students, preschoolers, and their families. The books and activities will be largely Oklahoma-themed and connected to the state’s history.…
Find out more »America 250! Bench Dedication and Flag Day Recognition
On Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m., the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate America 250! at the Oklahoma History Center with the dedication of a new America 250! anniversary bench. The public is welcome to attend the outdoor dedication. The bench, which honors all men and women who helped achieve American independence, will be a permanent feature on the Oklahoma History Center grounds. Festivities will include an address by US District Chief Judge…
Find out more »Will’s Wild West Kids Camp
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold its Will’s Wild West Kids Camp for children ages 7 to 12 from Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. On those days, the camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Campers will learn about Will Rogers, cowboys, and life in pre-statehood Oklahoma! Activities include games, 19th-century activities, crafts, nature programs, Cherokee storytelling, and a cowboy magician. A chuck wagon lunch…
Find out more »Will’s Wild West Kids Camp
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold its Will’s Wild West Kids Camp for children ages 7 to 12 from Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. On those days, the camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Campers will learn about Will Rogers, cowboys, and life in pre-statehood Oklahoma! Activities include games, 19th-century activities, crafts, nature programs, Cherokee storytelling, and a cowboy magician. A chuck wagon lunch…
Find out more »Will’s Wild West Kids Camp
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold its Will’s Wild West Kids Camp for children ages 7 to 12 from Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. On those days, the camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Campers will learn about Will Rogers, cowboys, and life in pre-statehood Oklahoma! Activities include games, 19th-century activities, crafts, nature programs, Cherokee storytelling, and a cowboy magician. A chuck wagon lunch…
Find out more »Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee Meeting
Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meetings are scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. However, Executive Committee meetings are not usually held on the months in which the full board meets. 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 »Summer Sounds Concert Series with Travis Kidd
Get ready—the Summer Sounds Concert Series returns to The Chisholm, bringing vibrant energy and music to your summer nights! On Thursday, June 18, Tulsa singer-songwriter Travis Kidd will be entertaining the crowd with his classic and southern rock, country, blues, and folk music. The Summer Sounds concerts series brings a rhythm to summer evenings as live music fills the open air at Horizon Hill, the storied home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. It is the perfect time to gather…
Find out more »“Oklahoma, Freedmen, and the Promise of a New Day” Juneteenth panel discussion
The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will commemorate Juneteenth with a free educational program at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, June 18. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Juneteenth commemorates the momentous occasion of emancipation in the United States after the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, U.S. Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed freedom for all enslaved people in the state. News of emancipation spread to the enslaved people of Indian Territory throughout that summer, igniting hope and an ongoing pursuit for justice and civil rights. The courageous efforts of Freedmen and their descendants to achieve and protect their rights became a central theme of Reconstruction and continue to shape Oklahoma today, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Juneteenth and its significance for future generations.
Find out more »OkieTales Storytime
Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum on select Saturdays in June from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for OkieTales story time at the Oklahoma History Center. Staff will read a history-themed book and engage young guests in a hands-on or active activity. Some story time days will include a living history element. OkieTales story time and activities are geared toward elementary students, preschoolers, and their families. The books and activities will be largely Oklahoma-themed and connected to the state’s history.…
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, a living history program at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. It takes place throughout the year on the first and third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The five historic buildings in the Humphrey Heritage Village, dating back to the territorial era, come to life with living history interpreters dressed in period clothing from the…
Find out more »Summer Solstice Walks
Celebrate the start of summer on Saturday, June 20, at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center with a guided solstice walk through the mounds site. Anna Vincent, the current director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, will lead the tours. Two tours will be offered that day—one at 11 a.m., and another at 7 p.m. The 7 p.m. walk will conclude with a viewing of the sunset on the upper terrace. In the event of inclement weather, talks will be held…
Find out more »Summer Solstice Walks
Celebrate the start of summer on Saturday, June 20, at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center with a guided solstice walk through the mounds site. Anna Vincent, the current director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, will lead the tours. Two tours will be offered that day—one at 11 a.m., and another at 7 p.m. The 7 p.m. walk will conclude with a viewing of the sunset on the upper terrace. In the event of inclement weather, talks will be held…
Find out more »2026 Hemmings Great Race at Will Rogers Memorial Museum
This summer, the 2026 Hemmings Great Race—a renowned endurance rally for antique, vintage, and collector cars—will include the Will Rogers Memorial Museum as a key stop along its route. The Hemmings Great Race, presented by Coker Tire, is a nine-day, 2,300-mile classic car rally featuring 120 antique automobiles. The event visits 17 cities along a new route each year, including a stop in Claremore, Oklahoma, on Monday, June 22. In 2026, the Great Race will celebrate the 100th anniversary of…
Find out more »Peyote Politics: The Making of the Native American Church, 1880–1937 book discussion with Dr. Lisa Barnett
The Oklahoma Historical Society will host Dr. Lisa Barnett for a free educational program at the Oklahoma History Center on Wednesday, June 24, at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Barnett will be discussing her book Peyote Politics: The Making of the Native American Church, 1880–1937 (University of Oklahoma Press, 2025). Dr. Lisa Barnett is an associate professor of American Religious History at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. She completed her PhD in history at Texas Christian University, focusing on American Indian history…
Find out more »Chamber Music Concert by the Orchestra Faculty of the Oklahoma Arts Institute of Quartz Mountain
On Thursday, June 25, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the Museum of the Western Prairie will host a special chamber music concert by the Orchestra Faculty of the Oklahoma Arts Institute of Quartz Mountain. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of beautiful music performed by ensembles composed of the award-winning concert artists who comprise the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute’s orchestra faculty. These highly sought-after musicians, teachers, composers, and recording artists have performed on celebrated stages across five continents. Enjoy…
Find out more »Rogers and the Republic exhibit opens
On Friday, June 26, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum invites you to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the debut of the Rogers and the Republic pop-up exhibit. Will Rogers, known for his wit and candid political commentary, entertained audiences across party lines. His legacy of service, integrity, hard work, education, and empathy continues to reflect the spirit of America. Experience this special exhibit, a highlight of America’s 250th anniversary, exploring Will Rogers’ perspective on politics and American ideals. View photos, memorable…
Find out more »Movie Night featuring Will Rogers in A Connecticut Yankee (1931)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a movie night featuring Will Rogers in A Connecticut Yankee (1931) in its theatre on Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m. Movie Night is a popular community event that offers a place for families and friends to connect on the last Friday of every month. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching…
Find out more »Pops Strange Soda Cocktails & Collage Night *sold out*
On Friday, June 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., kick off your summer with a one-of-a-kind night at the Oklahoma History Center that blends weird flavors, creative expression, and Route 66! At this program, guests aged 21 and over can sample three rounds of distinct cocktail/mocktail creations, featuring a distinctly strange Pops soda flavor. Each round invites guests to experience the adventurous spirit of roadside America in a whole new way. Non-alcoholic options, water, and light bites are also included…
Find out more »Blacksmithing Demonstrations
On select Saturdays in March, April, May, and June, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School will hold a come-and-go blacksmithing demonstration. Guests can enjoy watching traditional metalworking techniques in action and learn about the time-honored craft of blacksmithing. Families are welcome to safely attend and watch the demonstrations inside the Blacksmith Shop on the grounds of the Cherokee Strip Museum. For more information, please call 580-336-2405. Admission is free, but donations are…
Find out more »OkieTales Storytime
Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum on select Saturdays in June from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for OkieTales story time at the Oklahoma History Center. Staff will read a history-themed book and engage young guests in a hands-on or active activity. Some story time days will include a living history element. OkieTales story time and activities are geared toward elementary students, preschoolers, and their families. The books and activities will be largely Oklahoma-themed and connected to the state’s history.…
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 Wednesday, June 3, to Tuesday, 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 indentation 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 »