EXTRA! - "Saved from Silence"

Hear the Voices of Oklahoma interview

Remembering Porter L. Reed

Porter L. Reed (1923–2019) grew up in an era in which baseball's color barrier excluded Black players from playing professional baseball with white players. He came of age when (what were then called) Negro League Baseball (NLB) teams offered people of color the only opportunity to play. Reed was raised in Muskogee, which was a major stop on the NLB’s barnstorming circuit, and a hotbed of minor-league baseball activity. As a child in the 1930s, he saw the Kansas City Monarchs, Chicago American Giants, Memphis Red Sox, and other teams play in Muskogee. As a teenager, before becoming an official player himself, Reed participated for and against the Kansas City Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in the NLB.

Reed played with the Birmingham Black Barons, Houston Eagles, Detroit Wolves, Minneapolis White Elephants, Los Angeles Stars, and Muskogee Cardinals. In his career, he played with such famous names as Jackie Robinson, who historically broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, and went to bat against the famous pitcher Satchel Paige.

Reed was drafted into service during World War II. After serving in the military, he resumed his baseball career and played until 1953. To listen to this fascinating Voices of Oklahoma interview, click here.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST A VERY OK PODCAST

Votes for Women!

As the suffrage movement played out on the national stage with women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul leading the charge, Oklahomans were also working to see the 19th Amendment passed and ratified. In the latest episode of A Very OK Podcast, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss the political landscape in Oklahoma and Indian Territories that initially rejected suffrage after 1890 along with their guest, Dr. Sunu Kodumthara from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The trio expounds upon the contributions of Oklahoma suffragists such as Aloysius Larch-Miller, Narcissa Owen, and Kate Stafford that ultimately led to adoption of a state constitutional amendment in 1918 and the federal amendment in 1920. They also delve into the antisuffrage work of Alice Robertson, and Kate Barnard’s decision to forgo suffrage work in lieu of her other causes.

Coming soon! Save the date for a special event: A Very OK Podcast LIVE: The Bob Wills Story, taking place at Ponyboy on Monday, March 6! 

Next Monday night!

Kilgen Organ performance

and silent film The Mark of Zorro (1920) featuring Christian Elliott

The Oklahoma History Center is hosting another performance in the Kilgen Organ series featuring organist Christian Elliott on Monday, February 27. He will provide the accompanying music and sound effects to the American western silent film The Mark of Zorro (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks. This performance will take place on Monday, February 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers, and may be reserved by calling 405-522-0765. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your tickets today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KILGEN ORGAN—Saved from Silence

A new video created at the Oklahoma Historical Society—Saved from Silence (2023)—includes a short history of the Kilgen Organ and shares how a valuable piece of Oklahoma history was spared from extinction. Click here see the story of the Kilgen Organ's history and restoration.

Tickets now on sale

The 2023 Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, March 23, at the Oklahoma History Center. Individual tickets are available for $100 and include one ticket to the reception and banquet. Sponsor tables include eight reception tickets, a banquet table for eight, and the sponsor’s name listed on the printed program and OHS website. Donation levels are Silver $1,000; Gold $2,500; and Platinum $5,000.

Reserve tickets online

Proceeds from this event will benefit the George Nigh Internship Endowment Fund. This endowment supports the Oklahoma Historical Society internship program, preparing the next generation of museum professionals.

Early March events at Fort Towson Historic Site

On Thursday, March 2, Fort Towson Historic Site will bring history to life through a FREE Education Day to teach what life was like at Fort Towson over 180 years ago. Group registration is required. 

On Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, Fort Towson Historic Site will host an 1840s Encampment on its grounds. This three-day living history event will give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. For more information call 580-873-2634 or email fttowson@history.ok.gov. 

Is the corn as high as an elephant's eye?

For an answer to this burning question, attend Movie Night at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore on February 24, when the classic film version of the musical Oklahoma! (1955) will be shown at 7 p.m.

Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film thanks to the sponsorship of the Bank of Commerce. Seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.

DID YOU KNOW?

Oklahoma! is celebrating 80 years!

The OHS has many resources about the history and development of the landmark musical Oklahoma!, the first collaboration between famed creative duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Oklahoma! first opened in New York City on March 31, 1943, at the St. James Theatre where it would be performed 2,212 times before ending its run. The song “Oklahoma!” from the musical became the official state song in 1953. Oklahoma! changed the way musicals were performed and is still in production today.