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HISTORIC WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT
See Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show!
On Saturday, June 8, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum will celebrate the lives and showmanship of Major Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie and his wife, May Lillie, with Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show, which will be held at the historic ranch site.
Through this very special one-day event, enjoy the best of Western entertainment by experiencing the excitement of the sights, sounds, and exhibitions like those of the original Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show!
The museum will be open to the public during the festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the mansion will close at 6 p.m. Local food trucks will be available on-site. Visitors can enjoy historically accurate entertainment such as blacksmithing, chuck wagon cooking, gunfighters and sharpshooters, a magician, medicine man shows, and musicians on the ranch grounds from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Pawnee Bill Original Wild West Show stagecoach will be available for photos in the arena from 2 to 6 p.m., along with crafts, games, food trucks, and your chance to meet Pawnee Bill and May Lillie. The big show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include horse races, mounted shooting, the Pawnee Bill drill team, and more.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 62, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children five and younger. Tickets are not sold in advance or online. They can only be purchased at the ranch entrance gate on the day of the event.
For more information, please call 918-762-2513 or email pawneebill@history.ok.gov. The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Rd. in Pawnee.
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Summer Chautauqua in the Park at CSRHC |
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Performances will include (from left to right), Doug Mishler as EARL WARREN, Vanessa Adams-Harris as ROSA PARKS, Rebecca Jimerson as CORETTA SCOTT KING, Leslie Goddard as CLAUDIA “LADY-BIRD” JOHNSON, and Jim Armstead as THURGOOD MARSHALL. |
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Enid’s Summer Chautauqua in the Park returns for 2024 on Tuesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 15, at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC). Signs of this annual event become apparent when the big white tent takes its place on the Humphrey Heritage Village grounds every summer.
This year’s theme, “Lift Every Voice: 60 Years Since the Civil Rights Act,” will feature the histories and perspectives of characters who influenced the Civil Rights movement through first-person scholarly presentations. During the dates of the Chautauqua, workshops will be held in the Village Church daily at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Live evening performances will begin with local entertainment at 6:30 p.m., followed by the scholar presentations at 7:30 p.m. Enid Summer Chautauqua is free to attend and open to the public. Call 580-237-1907 for more information.
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The Quilting Workshop at the Sod House Museum meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. Quilters of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
The Sod House Museum is currently selling raffle tickets ahead of the drawing for two handmade sampler quilts, one with a patriotic theme and the other with a pinwheel design. The drawing will be held on Saturday, July 13, during the July meeting of the quilting workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Tickets are currently on sale for the raffle at $2 each, three for $5, or six for $10. You can purchase tickets at the museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or email sodhouse@history.ok.gov.
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VISIT FORT GIBSON HISTORIC SITE
Unique 19th-century wares make special gifts
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On your next visit to the Fort Gibson Historic Site, find unique replica gifts for Father’s Day and other occasions, including writing sets, inkwells, handblown glass, dishes, and other items fashioned after those used in the 19th century in the site’s gift shop.
Fort Gibson was established 200 years ago in 1824 in Indian Territory. It was the first U.S. military post in what would become the state of Oklahoma and was further west than any other post in the United States at that time. This year is the bicentennial of its establishment when it served a pivotal role in the political, social, and economic upheaval that marked the westward expansion of the United States.
Visitors can see a reconstruction of the early log fort and the stockade, as well as original buildings from the 1840s–70s. Exhibits exploring the fort’s history are located in the Commissary Visitor Center on Garrison Hill.
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Forts of Oklahoma playing card deck
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16! If you are searching for the right gift, check out the Research Center’s wide selection of playing cards featuring historic images, places, and people important to Oklahoma’s past. Each card in the newest deck of historic playing cards featuring Forts of Oklahoma represents military forts, conflicts, and historical figures in Oklahoma’s military history.
The OHS Research Center store site sells books, maps, photographs, puzzles, and playing cards focusing on Oklahoma history. The public can also submit requests for research orders by clicking here.
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Cathy Keating's Inaugural gown, worn January 9, 1995. The bodice beadwork detail in the design of the Oklahoma state seal was designed by Sherri Hill (1995.221.001, Cathy Keating Collection, OHS). Keating inaugural Ball, 1995 (2012.201.B0324.0045, OHS). |
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Inaugural Impressions - opening soon!
On Friday, June 7, the Oklahoma History Center Museum will open a new exhibit in the Sam Noble Gallery entitled Inaugural Impressions. The exhibit will explore the lives and contributions of Oklahoma’s first ladies and gentleman while their spouses served as governors.
The exhibit will feature a variety of gowns from the Oklahoma Historical Society’s collections. Oklahoma’s first ladies and gentleman have always played a leading role in our history. Their professionalism and poise have increased the public’s awareness of worthy causes. To plan your next visit the Oklahoma History Center, click here.
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COMING ON JUNE 7
History Center Open House
The Oklahoma History Center is thrilled to host the Oklahoma History Center Open House—an exclusive event that will showcase the array of unique room rentals the center offers for special events.
This event will provide attendees with an immersive experience, showcasing the versatility and ambiance of each room through meticulously crafted mock setups. The breadth of possibilities available for events at the Oklahoma History Center ranges from corporate gatherings and weddings to private receptions and cultural celebrations.
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The Oklahoma History Center has joined the nationwide Blue Star Museums initiative this summer. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve. The Blue Star Museums program began on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.
Please call 405-522-0765 or click here for admission costs and group rates.
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The Oklahoma History Center has joined “Museums for All,” offering $1 admission for EBT and Oklahoma Tribal EBT cardholders, as well as for participants of Oklahoma Fosters and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. This initiative aims to make high-quality museum learning resources accessible to a wider audience.
Individuals with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, Oklahoma Tribal EBT card, Oklahoma Fosters ID or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma ID can enjoy admission for just $1 per person for up to four people. The Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City, is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the discounted $1 admission available during regular operating hours.
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THIS WEEK IN HISTORY - THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE
Buck Colbert (B. C.) Franklin
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The Tulsa Race Massacre is among the most destructive instances of racial violence in US history. It occurred on May 31 and June 1, 1921. A white mob burned the prosperous Greenwood District, referred to as ‘Black Wall Street,’ to the ground. The fires lasted for 48 hours. It is estimated that as many as 300 Black citizens were killed that day.[1]
Buck Colbert (B. C.) Franklin (1879-1960), the son of a formerly enslaved man,[2] worked in the city of Tulsa and experienced the tragic events of the race massacre firsthand. He worked as an attorney in a law practice with I. H. Spears and T. O. Chappelle.
In the immediate aftermath of these events, the three lawyers set up a tent office on East Archer Street to work on behalf of the victims. Later, Franklin moved his law office with Spears and Chappelle to 107 ½ Greenwood Avenue.
LEARN MORE:
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Image captions:
Amended reply from Spears, Franklin, and Chappelle in Mabel Allen vs. Continental Insurance Company of New York, March 20, 1922 (2006.018.01.002.023, Tulsa Race Riot (Massacre) Commission Collection, OHS).
Practicing law in a Red Cross tent on June 6, 1921, five days after the Tulsa Race Massacre. (2015.176.2, Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Tulsa Friends and John W. and Karen R. Franklin).
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Click event listings below for more information.
28-30 - History Day Camp *camp is full,* Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson
31 - “Hunter Trapper” Living History program ends, Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson
31 - Sneed Cabin Grand Opening, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
31 - Movie Night featuring Angels in the Outfield (1994), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
1 - Clem Rogers and the Legacy of the Rogers Ranch exhibit closes, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
1 - Vintage Snack Sets exhibit opens, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy
1 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
1 - "Sounds of the Prairie" bluegrass performance, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry
7 - Inaugural Impressions exhibit opens, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
7 - Basic Barn Quilt Workshop, The Chisholm, Kingfisher
7 - Oklahoma History Center Open House, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
8 - Quilting Workshop, Sod House Museum, Aline
8 - Guided Tours, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
8 - Basic Barn Quilt Workshop, The Chisholm, Kingfisher
8 - Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee
11–15 - “Lift Every Voice: 60 Years Since the Civil Rights Act” Enid Chautauqua in the Park, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
13 - “Masonic Lodges of Oklahoma” presentation by Kenneth Sivard, State Historic Preservation Office
14 - OU/OAS Archaeological Field School concludes, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Site, Spiro
15 - Guided Tours, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
15 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
15 - Pinhole Camera Workshop with Jim Meeks, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
17–19 - Wild West Kids Camp, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
18 - Juneteenth Celebration: “Honor, Reflect, and Celebrate!,” Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
19 - Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
20 - Lunch and Learn: “Robert M. Jones: A Choctaw Millionaire in the American South, 1808–1873,” State Historic Preservation Office
20 - Summer Sounds Concert with musical duo Jim Garling and Susanne Woolley, The Chisholm, Kingfisher
20 - The Road to Will film screening and discussion with Steve McAllister, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
22 - Usable Block Printing class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
27 - The People’s House: The Story of the Oklahoma State Capitol film screening on OETA
28 - Movie Night featuring Babe (1995), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
29 - Scavenger Hunt, Hunter’s Home, Park Hill
29 - Guided Tours, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
30 - Vintage Snack Sets exhibit closes, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy
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Masthead image: Colorized image detail of a letter written by Josiah H. Vose from Fort Towson, April 22, 1834 to Major General Thomas S. Jesup, Quartermaster General in Washington, D.C. The letter requests that a "suitable house" and stable be built for Vose in his role as commanding officer by first of December of 1834. (Detail page 1, RG94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1762–1984, NAID: 423, National Archives). Hear the full contents of the letter being read in the "Post Commander's Quarters" episode of Fort Towson's video series Towson Tales. |
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