EXTRA! - Stop in for a spell

Oklahoma Historical Society sent this bulletin at 10/12/2022 05:00 AM CDT

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A group of colorful pumpkins with the word of the publication "EXTRA!" in white lettering below

History Center Research Museums & Sites Preservation Publications

October 12, 2022

Whether you like trick or treating, touring creaky-floored mansions, deciphering symbols, hearing ghost stories, or listening to voices from the past, the Oklahoma Historical Society has an autumn event for you! Check out these October happenings at an OHS museum or site near you!

A collage of the LAFF Fun house and a mug shot of Elmer McCurdy

Outlaw Mummy: The Story of Elmer McCurdy

On Thursday, October 13, at noon (Central Time), the State Historic Preservation Office is not afraid to host a spooky webinar with Michael Williams, curator at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum in Guthrie, for an unsettling story about the world travels of Elmer McCurdy.

Williams will tell the twisted tale of the Outlaw Mummy Elmer McCurdy following his life as a train-robbing outlaw, the gun that killed him, the lawman who fired the fatal shot, and McCurdy’s postmortem career as a carnival attraction. Register for the webinar by clicking here.

a twilight image of Pawnee Bill Ranch with trees in the foreground

Ghost Stories Candlelight Tours

Visit the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum for the Ghost Stories Candlelight Tours, taking place one night only on Saturday, October 29, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Guides will lead guests through an outdoor tour in the park telling spine-tingling, ghostly tales about Oklahoma, the surrounding area, and the Pawnee Bill Ranch. The tours will leave every 30 minutes from the museum building, so bundle up for cool weather. Admission is $5 per person, and the event is for ages eight and older. Visit the ranch or call 918-762-2513 to purchase tickets or set up tours for large groups.

A newspaper story "On the Trail of Train Bandits" about the outlaw Elmer McCurdy's capture

Thursday Night Lecture Series

On Thursday, October 20, at 7 p.m., the Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host its Thursday Night Lecture Series featuring a presentation by historian Michael Williams. He will tell the bizarre story of Elmer McCurdy—an Oklahoma outlaw turned sideshow mummy. Prepare yourself for a twisted tale filled with outlaws, lawmen, sideshows, showmen, writers, artists, scientists, historians, and even Broadway producers! Please call 918-341-0719 for more information about this goosebump-creating event taking place at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore.

Haunts of Memories Past

On Thursday, October 27, and again on Saturday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Tom Mix Museum will host Haunts of Memories Past: Tales from Dewey's Early Days at Dewey Heritage Theater located at 306 Don Tyler Ave. Performances by reenactors will bring local characters to life on the theater's stage such as early business leaders Jake and Nannie Bartles and outlaw Henry Starr.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under the age of 13. Tickets can be purchased at the Tom Mix Museum, located at 721 N. Delaware in Dewey. Refreshments, including boba tea, will be available for purchase from Sippin' Sweet Co.

A purple colorized photo of a witch and a cauldron

"History Never Dies" Halloween Carnival

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library in Guthrie will host its “History Never Dies” Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event returns with a Hocus Pocus theme. At the two-hour event, families can enjoy carnival games, prizes, food, candy, and Halloween-themed activities both inside and outside of the museum. The carnival also gives children another chance to dress up, as costumes are encouraged! The museum exhibit galleries and the Carnegie Library will be free and open to the public during this annual event. For more information please call 405-282-1889.

a gravestone with an engraving of a face and wording

Cemetery Symbols: Carved in Stone

Join the Oklahoma History Center to explore the meaning of Cemetery Symbols: Carved in Stone on Saturday, October 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. Gravestones and cemeteries are rich in a language of symbols whose meaning changes over time. This in-person class for ages 16 and up will provide the skills necessary to investigate the past through tombstones. This program will take place in the Musser Learning Lab at the Oklahoma History Center. Registration closes on October 20. Register today.

Halloween Night at the Museum

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host Halloween Night at the Museum on Monday, October 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event combines trick-or-treating with an opportunity for children and their families to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The museum is a welcoming, safe place for families to enjoy the holiday with a bounce house, prizes for best costumes, and over 25 groups and area businesses on-site, handing treats away on the spacious museum grounds. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information please call 918-341-0719 or visit www.willrogers.com.

OHS COVID-19 safety measures

We recommend that visitors who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 wear face masks in indoor public areas. 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.