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Visit OHS museums and historic sites this season!
What do Wild West Shows, Victorian mansions, sod houses, forts, and battlefields have in common? They are all right here in Oklahoma, where our diverse and exciting past unfolds across the state.
When traveling this holiday, visit one of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s museums, historic sites, or affiliates! Before you head out on the road, check the OHS website or follow our museums and historic sites on social media for the latest updates on holiday hours or inclement weather closures.
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LISTEN TO THE LATEST
Indigenous rock star Jesse Ed Davis
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During his career, guitarist Jesse Ed Davis played with over 100 major artists, including Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers, John Lennon, and Rod Stewart. His first brush with notoriety was playing with Conway Twitty in Oklahoma City, and he honed his chops with Taj Mahal after moving to Los Angeles. Jackson Browne credits Davis’s guitar solo on “Doctor, My Eyes” with helping that song to become a Billboard Top 10 hit in 1972.
In this latest episode of A Very OK Podcast, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss Davis’s Oklahoma roots, influences, and illustrious career. Their guests are Dr. Douglas Miller, author of Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis (2024), and Jake Krumwiede, director of the OKPOP Museum in Tulsa.
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On Friday, December 20, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School (CSM) will hold a “Christmas on the Prairie” gathering to celebrate the holiday spirit and experience the warmth of the community.
The event will include festive activities and refreshments to celebrate the season together. This evening event is a great way to meet with friends and make memories that connect to meaningful histories at the CSM—where the present meets the past!
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THIS WEEKEND
"Winter Traditions and Cheer" at Fort Gibson
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The Fort Gibson Historic Site will celebrate on December 19–21 with its “Winter Traditions and Cheer” living history programs. The programs will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.
Winter on the edge of Indian Territory was spent in regular military duties such as guarding, working in the mess hall, and drilling. Soldiers separated from loved ones, stationed at Fort Gibson tended to livestock, continued training, and found small ways to celebrate the season, bringing cheer among their ranks. Winter on the frontier military post required that oxen, horses, and mules were fed, wintered, and cared for through the coldest months.
During these living history programs, visitors can learn about the way enlisted men kept small and meaningful seasonal traditions alive, whether through hunting for the game for the holiday meal, sharing mail from home, or adding decorative cheer to their quarters.
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DECORATE YOUR OWN GINGERBREAD MAN
Winter Bake day is fun for the whole family!
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Fresh-baked gingerbread soldiers, nurses, and laundresses will be served at Fort Gibson Historic Site’s Winter Bake Day on Saturday, December 21. The smell of fresh-baked gingerbread men and cookies will fill the crisp autumn air on Garrison Hill as staff and volunteers once again bring the 1860s military bakehouse to life.
Children may decorate their cookies at the Fort Gibson Commissary decoration station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or while supplies last, or purchase a complete decoration kit to take home. For more information, please call 918-478-4088.
View “Feeding An Army,” which takes a look at the Civil War–era oven and the history of the fort.
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Your support makes our work possible
With your help, the Oklahoma Historical Society has collected, preserved, and shared Oklahoma’s history for over a hundred years. Our donors’ support helps us uncover Oklahoma’s unique past, tell our state’s story in new and innovative ways, and create opportunities for learners of all ages to engage with history. This work is only possible because of the generous contributions of our community. This fall, we ask that you consider supporting our efforts by contributing to our annual giving campaign.
Every dollar donated to the annual giving campaign makes an impact, and we are proud to recognize exceptionally generous gifts in support of our mission. As such, gifts over $500 are recognized in The Chronicles of Oklahoma, the scholarly history journal of the Oklahoma Historical Society that has been in publication since 1921, and gifts over $1,000 are recognized prominently at the Oklahoma History Center in our annual report and on our website. Regardless of size, your contribution makes a meaningful impact on our work, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.
Your gift to the Oklahoma Historical Society is tax deductible. To give today, please visit okhistory.org/givenow. Checks can be sent to 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105, with attention to the development department. For inquiries, comments, or more information about giving opportunities at the Oklahoma Historical Society, please contact Brittney Berling, development officer, at (405) 522-0317 or brittney.berling@history.ok.gov.
By giving today, you are joining a community of history lovers across the state who help make our mission possible. Thank you for your generosity.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Pawnee Bill Ranch calendars now on sale
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Track the days of your year, and notable historic events with the 2025 Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum calendar. This one-of-a-kind date keeper has all of the site's upcoming program and event dates for the year. They are $10 each, and all proceeds go towards the Pawnee Bill Ranch. Purchase your copy in person the next time you visit, or through the ranch's online store. Call 918-762-2513 for more information.
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OHS FY2024 Annual Report
Our latest annual report highlights OHS events, resources, and activities from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Discover newly acquired artifacts and archival materials, collection highlights, reflections from our donors and members, statistics, and more. View the OHS FY2024 Annual Report.
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State Colleges and Universities were founded in December
Public higher education in Oklahoma began shortly after the Land Run of 1889. Following the establishment of Oklahoma Territory by the Organic Act passed by Congress on May 2, 1890, the First Oklahoma Territorial Legislature convened in December 1890 to create three colleges.
On December 19, 1890, the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman was founded. Central State Normal School, which is now the University of Central Oklahoma, was founded on December 24, 1890. Additionally, the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Oklahoma State University, was established on December 25, 1890. For more information, you can read about the history of Oklahoma’s Colleges and Universities in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
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Follow the OHS website calendar to learn about all of our events and programs at OHS museums and historic sites across the state!
From seasonal events to celebrations, exhibits, films, educational classes, workshops, our calendar is constantly changing and being updated with the latest programs and activities.
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Connect with the Oklahoma Historical Society on social media—where you can learn more about Oklahoma history and get up-to-date information about events and exhibits across the state!
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Masthead image: Christmas lights ready to go up for the Major County Christmas party in Fairview, 1952, photo by Thomas F. Killian (2012.201.B1078.0068, Oklahoma Publishing Company, OHS). |
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