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Night Artillery Fighting
Experience the drama of a night artillery firing of Fort Towson’s Mountain Howitzer on Saturday, July 12 from 7:45 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Towson Historic Site. The program will start with a boom, with a daylight firing at 7:45 p.m., to be followed by a talk about the artillery piece. A second firing will occur at twilight, and a third will happen after dark. For more information, call 580-873-2634 or email fttowson@history.ok.gov. The Fort Towson Historic Site is located at 896 N. 4375 Rd. in Fort Towson.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Honey Springs Battlefield Memorial Service
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Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m., to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah.
The service commemorates the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements throughout Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. The engagement took place at the Honey Springs settlement, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, on July 17, 1863, just two weeks after the famous Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Approximately 9,000 Union and Confederate troops, mostly Native and African Americans, were involved in the Battle of Honey Springs. Of those, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River. The Union victory also ensured Federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas.
For more information regarding the memorial service and Honey Springs Battlefield, call 918-617-7125. You can also email honeysprings@history.ok.gov.
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Naturalization Ceremony
On Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m., the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will host a naturalization ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center. Eligible candidates across Oklahoma will take the Oath of Allegiance, the final step to becoming a US citizen.
The Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office (OHSMO) is partnering with the USCIS to co-host the ceremony. The OHSMO aims to develop programs and outreach initiatives to tell the story of Oklahoma’s diverse heritage and give voice to these historically underrepresented communities.
Thank you to our sponsors! Refreshments provided by Red Carpet Car Wash and the Respect Diversity Foundation.
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Join the conversation!
Again this year, the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is a proud partner of Civic Season! We’re excited to join Made By Us and 700+ history and civic organizations nationwide for the fifth annual Civic Season which runs through July 4. This summer tradition focuses on understanding our past and shaping our future!
Hundreds of activities and resources can be found at thecivicseason.com, including quizzes, five-minute virtual offerings, in-person events, and much more. The possibilities are endless—with something for everyone’s needs and interests! Be sure to follow the OHS on Facebook, Instagram, and X to keep up with our activities as a Made By Us coalition partner.
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This year, Honey Springs Battlefield offers its biennial multiday event, which begins with an Education Day for school groups on Friday, November 7. Events continue on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, with a reenactment and self-guided tours through the Union, Confederate, and civilian camps. Visitors can experience military drills, demonstrations, and living history programs and walk through Sutler’s Row, which features several vendors selling clothes, books, souvenirs, and reproduction of nineteenth-century military equipment. Visitors from around the state see special presentations and watch the battle unfold.
Registration forms for reenactors and school groups and application forms for sutlers and vendors are now available. No registration is required for spectators.
For more information, contact honeysprings@history.ok.gov.
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FOUND IN COLLECTIONS
Cimarron Valley Cemetery Decoration Day, 1912
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The photo depicts veterans at the Cimarron Valley Cemetery inscription in pencil and pen below the photo reads:
"This is the Cimarron Valley cemetery on decoration day perhaps about 1912. 3 old soldiers are in the foreground, but are now laid to rest. Some of the girls are now our club women. Mr. Bowles with the small drum is father of Mrs. Ora ------; grandfather to Mrs. Lucy Borch, our Good Cheer club president. The man with the little boy is Mr. Durgan, youngest soldier in Union Army, and father of Mrs. Crain, club member. He was a drummer boy 10 years old" (2015.239.2440, Sons and Daughters of the Cherokee Strip Collection, OHS).
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Follow the OHS website calendar to learn about our events and programs at OHS museums and historic sites across the state! Our calendar constantly changes with the latest programs and activities, from seasonal events to celebrations, exhibits, films, educational classes, and workshops. |
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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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