Classes and Programs
at the Oklahoma History Center
Oklahoma Folklife Festival
Saturday, November 14
The Oklahoma Folklife Festival will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The Oklahoma History Center invites organizations to participate in the 2026 Oklahoma Folklife Festival. This festival is designed to allow visitors to experience other cultures and traditions. Visitors are there to participate in the activities, not just observe. The festival’s goal is to spark curiosity, catalyze intercultural exchange, create participatory experiences, and to collaborate with cultural practitioners, communities, and heritage professionals. This event will be held predominantly indoors, and admission is free to the public.
History Alive: President George and Martha Washington
The Oklahoma History Center Museum is honored to present Dan and Kelly Shippey in portrayals of George and Martha Washington as part of America250 and Oklahoma statehood commemorations. Join us for these special presentations on Monday, November 16, and Tuesday, November 17,
Evening Programs
Two evening programs are open to the public. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers, and tickets will be available soon.
- Monday, November 16, 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. This program will be recorded.
Daytime Programs for School Groups
Educators are invited to bring their students to the Oklahoma History Center for this special living-history experience. Students will have the opportunity to engage with two important figures from our nation’s founding era and learn more about their lives, experiences, and legacies through historical interpretation. The program is free for school groups, thanks to a grant from Oklahoma Humanities. School programs will be offered:
- Tuesday, November 17, 9:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, November 17, 11 a.m. This program will be recorded.
- Tuesday, November 17, 1 p.m.
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America author talk and book signing with Candacy Taylor
Friday, November 20
On Friday, November 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center Museum and the Metropolitan Library system will co-sponsor an author talk and signing with Smithsonian documentarian and author Candacy Taylor.
The special event will explore the title Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America (Abrams Press, 2020). Discover the stories behind The Green Book and its lasting impact on American history and Route 66. Before the program, guests are invited to explore the Oklahoma History Center’s exhibits from 5 to 7 p.m., including The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma, courtesy of the Metropolitan Library System.
This project was supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Arts Midwest. This event is free, but registration is required.
Register Now
395th Army Band Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 5
On Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to noon, the 395th Army Band will perform holiday music at the Oklahoma History Center. Based in Mustang, the 395th Army Band is one of 13 Army Reserve Bands in the United States. The band is comprised of soldier-civilians who work in a wide range of fields.
The performance is free and open to the public. With paid admission, attendees may also visit the galleries. Active-duty military and veterans (with ID), along with Oklahoma Historical Society members, always receive free admission.
Museum Store Holiday Sale
December 10–12
The Oklahoma History Center Museum’s Museum Store Holiday Sale will take place on Thursday, December 10, Friday, December 11, and Saturday, December 12, giving everyone a special opportunity to shop for those special people on their list. Visiting the Museum Store is free of charge, and its shelves are filled with charming Oklahoma-made items, fascinating books, fun historic toys, and beautiful gifts that celebrate our state’s spirit. Several items will be marked down for this sale, and everyone will save on their purchases. The general public will enjoy a 10% discount, Oklahoma Historical Society members will receive 25% off, and Oklahoma Historical Society volunteers and staff will receive 30% off.
All proceeds from the Museum Store help to fund and support the mission and programs of the Oklahoma History Center Museum. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff by calling 405-522-0765 or emailing [email protected].
From Story to Published Book: A Writer’s Journey Workshop
Saturday, December 12
The Oklahoma History Center Museum will host From Story to Published Book: A Writer’s Journey: A Free One-Day Writing and Publishing Workshop from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 12.
Whether you’re an aspiring author with a story waiting to be written, a writer working toward publication, or a published author looking to sharpen your craft, this inspiring, one-day workshop presented by Quill Hawk Publishing is for you!
Begin the morning with keynote speaker Devaki Murch, a survivor of the historic 1975 Operation Babylift plane crash, whose remarkable journey demonstrates the power of resilience and storytelling.
Learn about the craft of writing, the publishing process, and strategies for marketing your book from published authors Amy M. Le, Eileen Hobbs, Shelley Malicote Stutchman, Nikki McCurtain, and Joyce Hanewinkel as they share their experiences and practical advice for taking your story from idea to publication.
During lunch, explore Our Journeys, a special exhibition presented by Vietnamese Boat People at the Oklahoma History Center Museum in partnership with the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma. Experience powerful personal histories that demonstrate why preserving and sharing our stories matters.
The afternoon features an engaging panel discussion on writing and storytelling, moderated by Thuan Nguyen, past president of the Asian District Cultural Association and a founder of the Asian Chamber of Oklahoma.
Our closing keynote features Le Ly Hayslip, an internationally recognized humanitarian and founder of Global Village Foundation. Her extraordinary memoirs inspired Oliver Stone’s acclaimed film Heaven & Earth (1993). Discover how personal experiences can become powerful stories that reach audiences worldwide.
Attendees will have opportunities to meet participating authors, purchase autographed books, take photos, and connect with fellow writers and readers.
Homeschool Day
Wednesday, December 16
Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum for Homeschool Day on Wednesday, December 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a day of hands-on learning with free gallery admission, sponsored by the Inasmuch Foundation.
Homeschool Day includes engaging activities, interactive living history presentations, and access to our educational trunks and carts. Homeschool Day is an excellent opportunity for homeschool students of all ages to explore Oklahoma’s past in a fun and meaningful way. This year’s event will focus on the Oklahoma History Center Museum’s recent exhibits exploring sports and Route 66. Homeschool Day is free, but we ask that you register.
The Lighthorse Police: A History of Tribal Justice author talk and book signing with Dr. Donald L. Fixico.
Thursday, January 21
An author talk and book signing featuring Dr. Donald L. Fixico (Muscogee, Seminole, Shawnee, Sac and Fox) will take place on Thursday, January 21, at the Oklahoma History Center. Fixico will present his latest work, The Lighthorse Police: A History of Tribal Justice (University of Oklahoma Press, 2026), which provides a comprehensive history of the Five Tribes’ law enforcement organizations. The book examines their origins, operations, and persistence from the late 18th century to the present.
After the lecture, there will be a question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing and reception. Books will be available to purchase, and OHS members receive a 15% discount. This event is free and open to the public, but we ask that you preregister.
Oklahoma History Center class cancelations and refunds
Discover more events at Oklahoma Historical Society museums and historic sites across the state on our events calendar.
