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Visit the Oklahoma History Center this summer! |
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At the Oklahoma History Center, visitors experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma, view more than 50 topics and 2,000 artifacts reflecting Oklahoma’s inspiring and adventurous past, and explore research and interpretive programs of Oklahoma’s rich and diverse history.
The exterior exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center offer a relaxing one-quarter-mile walking tour planted with indigenous trees, flowers, and plants.
Many beautiful sculptures are placed outside the center including Unconquered (pictured at right), Monarch at Rest, and a Civilian Conservation Corps Statue. Outdoor features also include Tip of the Spear, 14 Flags Over Oklahoma, and the Devon Energy Oil and Gas Park.
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Unconquered
Preeminent Indigenous artist Allan (Haozous) Houser (Chiricahua Apache) (1914–1994) was born on June 30, 1914.
Houser created the sculpture Unconquered (seen above), which stands directly outside the Oklahoma History Center.
Houser is known nationally and internationally for his drawings, paintings, stone carvings, and bronze sculptures. In addition to his achievements as an artist, he was an esteemed teacher and mentor to an entire generation of American Indian sculptors. Houser’s work is on display in the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Oval Office of The White House, The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, and in many other cities. In 1992, Houser became the first Native American to receive the National Medal of Arts, which was awarded to him by President George H. W. Bush.
Learn more about the life and work of artist Allan Houser through OHS resources:
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"The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Program at the NPS" |
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On Thursday, July 11, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will host a free webinar with Catherine Lavoie, chief of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) with the National Park Service (NPS). She will discuss the program, including how and why HABS began, its mission, and its value, focusing on HABS’s work in Oklahoma.
HABS was established in 1933 as a unique public-private partnership between NPS, the Library of Congress, and the American Institute of Architects, aimed at creating an archive of America’s architectural heritage. Registration for the webinar is required. Register for the webinar by visiting okhistory.org/shpowebinars.
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June 30, 2024, is the 107-year anniversary of the Oklahoma State Capitol’s completion in 1917. To celebrate, on June 27, at 7:30 p.m., The People’s House: The Story of the Oklahoma State Capitol documentary on the Oklahoma State Capitol will be aired on OETA. The documentary was directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Inasmuch Foundation. Please check your local listings.
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Scavenger Hunt at Hunters Home |
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On Saturday, June 29, Hunter’s Home in Park Hill will host a scavenger hunt encouraging children to learn about items from the 19th century. The scavenger hunt will include items found inside the historic home and on the grounds of the rural property. Bring the family and a keen eye to spot things like a coffee grinder, knitting needles, and especially the location of little Farmer Dave! The activities are perfect for children ages 6 to 12, and there will be prizes given to those who can complete the entire scavenger hunt!
Visitors can also experience living history interpreters demonstrating 19th-century trades, daily chores, cooking, gardening, and crafts at the historic home. This event is free with regular admission fees.
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Dressed to the nines
Inaugural Impressions is now open at the Oklahoma History Center. The exhibit explores the contributions of Oklahoma’s first ladies and gentleman while their spouses served as governors. The Oklahoma History Center has a number of galleries with more that 50 topics and over 2,000 artifacts. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Just the ticket!
The Sod House Museum is currently selling raffle tickets ahead of the drawing for two 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 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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On the trail with USAO
Students from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) will be giving a few more guided tours on the six trails that cross the 1,100-acre Honey Springs Battlefield site on Saturday, June 29 and Saturday, July 6. Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The visitor center is located approximately one and a half miles east of US Highway 69 off of Gertrude Avenue.
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Make and take
The Chisholm will hold a two-day Advanced Barn Quilt Workshop to be held from Friday, July 12, through Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This advanced workshop is for participants to take on more ambitious and elaborate barn quilt patterns, creating their own barn quilt block. Please get in touch with the museum at (405) 375-5176 to reserve your place today!
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THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
Providing service at the speed of sound
In June 1953, Oklahoma businessman and restaurant manager Troy Smith opened his Shawnee restaurant “Top Hat.” He was experiencing success with the drive-in restaurant business model. Charlie Pappe, an entrepreneur from Woodward, was impressed with Smith’s vision. They teamed up in 1956, opening three additional Top Hat restaurants in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Woodward.
In the early days of their partnership, Smith and Pappe learned the name “Top Hat” was under copyright. The working slogan of the business was “service at the speed of sound,” which had derived from the intercom system they had developed for drive-in customers to place orders. In 1959, Smith and Pappe changed the business name to Sonic,℠ still promising “service at the speed of sound.”
Learn when cheeseburgers cost 45 cents and other fun facts by visiting the E-Exhibit Sonic Drive-In: A History on the OHS website.
Today, Sonic℠ has 268 locations in Oklahoma, and there are more than 3,500 Sonic℠ restaurants in 46 states. (sonicdrivein.com)
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HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Sonic Drive-In
Hear the Voices of Oklahoma interview about the history of the popular drive-in chain, Sonic℠ conducted by John Erling with guest Dr. Bob Blackburn, historian and author of the book The History of America's Drive-In (2014). The content follows the birth and growth of the company.
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Shop online
Oklahoma Historical Sociery Members always save 15%!
Get your copy of The Vision and the Dream: WKY-TV Comes to Oklahoma, by Gene Allen today!
Click event listings below for more information.
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
July 2024
6 - From Our Hands, exhibit closing, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
6 - Guided Tours, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
6 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
11 - “The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Program at the NPS” webinar, presented by Catherine Lavoie, State Historic Preservation Office
11 - Back In Time: "The Three Guardsmen" premiere screening and panel, Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, Guthrie
12–13 - Advanced Barn Quilt Workshop, Chisholm Trail Museum and Horizon Hill, Kingfisher
13 - Quilting Workshop and quilt drawing, Sod House Museum, Aline
13 - Civil Rights Act of 1964: 60th Anniversary Panel, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
13 - Battle of Honey Springs Memorial Service, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
17 - Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
18 - Historic Preservation Review Committee Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
18 - Summer Sounds Concert with Mackynsie McKedy and the McKedy Band, The Chisholm, Kingfisher
20 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
20 - Flower Art class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
24 - Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
26 - Movie Night featuring Rockadoodle (1991), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
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Masthead image: The Oklahoma History Center has a wide variety of E-Exhibits you can view from the cool comfort of your home! Each one explores an Oklahoma history topic and includes historic images, activities, a glossary, and a bibliography. Experience the full selection of E-Exhibits by clicking here.
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