OHS EXTRA! - Astronomically speaking

Oklahoma Historical Society sent this bulletin at 12/15/2021 05:00 AM CST

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History Center Research Museums & Sites Preservation Publications

December 15, 2021

Winter Solstice Walks mark first day of winter

Come to the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center on Tuesday, December 21, for guided Winter Solstice Walks to learn about the winter solstice and how Indigenous peoples understood the changes of the seasons. Archaeologist and manager Dennis Peterson will lead guided tours starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Each walk will take about two hours and require a mile of easy walking.

The winter solstice is a period of rest, preparation, and celebration. Peterson will tell about this unique, prehistoric American Indian mound site, the types of mounds, why they were created, and why some of the mounds are lined up for the sunsets of the solstices and equinoxes. He will discuss the history of the excavations, American Indian ceremonies, and stories and tales of the unusual happenings associated with the mounds. For those wishing to see the sunset, the 2 p.m. walk will end just before sunset, which is when the alignment will take place. Come out to experience one of the most unique historic sites in the United States as seen through the eyes of an archaeologist.

There is a small fee for this series of tours of $5 for adults and $3 for children, in addition to the daily admission fee. No reservations are required except for large groups. Remember cash or check only, no credit cards. Be certain to dress for the weather. The center is located three miles east of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information or to schedule a group or school tour during the Solstice Walks or another time, please call 918-962-2062 or email spiro@okhistory.org.

Give the gift of history

with an OHS Family Membership this holiday!

Give the perfect gift that lasts throughout the year! A gift of membership helps to support the exhibits, programs, and research happening year-round at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

For a limited time, purchase one OHS Family Membership for $75 and get one free! OHS Family Members receive free admission for eight people to 24 OHS museums and historic sites across the state, subscriptions to OHS publications, special discounts, and more. Use our printable form, call 800-750-4090, or click the button below to order. This special offer expires January 31, 2022. To read more about OHS membership benefits click here.

Join or renew online

Cherokee Strip Survey Crew poses with equipment

Antique Clinometer, or Abney Level used to measure heights of trees, poles, buildings and more.

Chisholm Trail Museum and OHS Research Center recognized by OMA for Maps and Mapmaking exhibit

The Chisholm Trail Museum and Horizon Hill (CTM) and the OHS John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center were recognized at the Oklahoma Museums Association (OMA) Annual Conference this year with an honorable mention for the creation of the exhibit Maps and Mapmaking: Historical Maps of Oklahoma. The traveling exhibit was curated by CTM Director Jason Harris and OHS Research Director Chad Williams.

The exhibit highlights a collection of more than 20 incredible, historic maps of present-day Oklahoma dating back to 1806. The maps from the Oklahoma Historical Society were joined with antique surveying and mapmaking tools and equipment from the museum’s collection. Initially on display at the CTM, the exhibit will be traveling to Fort Towson Historic Site in the near future. It will eventually be shared with museums, libraries, and other institutions throughout the state.

OHS COVID-19 safety measures

Per CDC guidance, we recommend that visitors who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination wear face masks and maintain social distancing in indoor public areas. All visitors, staff, volunteers, contractors, and vendors should use appropriate handwashing techniques.

We ask that you avoid visiting OHS museums, sites, and affiliates if you have COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, have a fever, or are otherwise feeling sick or unwell.