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Kinley firefighting collection donated to the OHS Research Center |
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Read more about the life of Myron Macy Kinley, written by Bobby Weaver, in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
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The Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center recently acquired a significant collection of archival material related to Myron Kinley, a pioneer of modern oil-well firefighting. The Kinley Family Collection, which was donated by Myron’s grandson, Karl Kinley, includes eight cubic feet of photographs, records, stories, and video tapes concerning Myron and his company, the M. M. Kinley Company.
During his life, Myron championed several firefighting techniques and patented new equipment, much of which is still utilized today. His success in the United States lead to his business expanding internationally, and he soon fought oil fires around the world, earning himself a renowned reputation in one of the most dangerous careers imaginable. Among his achievements was extinguishing the ‘Torch of Moreni’ oil fire in Romania, which had burned for over two years. He also earned commendation from the Japanese government for his work fighting fires in Japan and received an Order of the Rising Sun, 5th Class medal award (seen above) for his efforts.
Included in the new collection is the Order of the Rising Sun award, an original pickaxe and hammer inscribed with the M. M. Kinley Company name, and hundreds of other treasures. A selection of video from the Kinley Family Collection has been digitized and is available for viewing on the OHS Film and Video Archives YouTube channel.
Contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center to learn more and view items from collection. Thank you to Karl Kinley and the family of Myron Kinley for collecting, preserving, and sharing this significant piece of history.
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"Drills from General Winfield Scott's Infantry Tactics" living history program
In September, Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will offer a series of living history programs about 19th-century military training based on a manual from the 1800s. The programs will follow Infantry Tactics: or Rules for the Exercise and Maneuvers of the United States Infantry, written by General Winfield Scott in 1835. These programs are free with paid admission. They will occur on Saturday, September 13, 20, and 27, and will cover basic and advanced drills, wheeling, marching, musket drills, and give some instruction on the tactics used by musket-armed infantry.
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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 are now available. No registration is required for spectators.
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OHS events and programming |
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Tattoos at the Museum
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is excited to offer “Tattoos at the Museum: Part II” on Friday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. inside the museum. The popular event returns, offering flash tattoos by six tattoo artists from Culture Tattoo of Enid and Apothika Tattoo of Enid.
Those seeking a tattoo must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID.
For more information call 580-237-1907.
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Annual Ice Cream Social
The Friends of the Fred and Addie Drummond Home are happy to announce that the annual Ice Cream Social will be held on Saturday, September 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. This year, we’ll be churning our own ice cream, and there will be a contest to decide who makes the best frozen treat! For more information, please call 918-352-5583.
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Introduction to Natural Dyeing and English Paper Piecing workshop
Hunter’s Home will hold a workshop on natural dyeing and English paper piecing on Saturday, September 20, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Guests will learn how to dye fabric using methods and natural materials that were present in the 1850s. Interested parties should register in advance for this class, which costs $10 per person. To register, please call 918-456-2751.
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The 2025 Oklahoma Folklife Festival at the Oklahoma History Center will be held on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The festival’s objectives include sparking curiosity, facilitating intercultural exchange, creating participatory experiences, and collaborating with cultural practitioners, communities, and heritage professionals. The event will primarily take place indoors, and admission will be free for the public.
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Annual Research Center Book Sale
The Oklahoma Historical Society’s (OHS) John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center will host its 2025 book sale Wednesday, October 22, through Saturday, October 25, at the Oklahoma History Center. The sale is open from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
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State Fair of Oklahoma
This image depicts Lorna Earlywine Burgess, Dutch Burgess, and Maggie and Cecil Earlywine taking a “ride” in a cardboard automobile prop at the 1909 State Fair of Oklahoma. While their suits, lace day dresses, and hats appear quite formal by today’s standards, they were the regular attire of that period. Before the advent of cell phones, having a photograph taken was a special occurrence. Photographers would set up temporary studios at fairs and expositions—with thematic backdrops—to create souvenir photographic prints. (2012.201.B0171.0381, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS).
Did you know that southeastern Indian nations, removed west in the 1830s, formed agricultural organizations? The Cherokee Agricultural Society held the territory’s first fair in 1845. Read more about the history of Fairs in Oklahoma in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
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Visit the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center booth at the Oklahoma State Fair beginning tomorrow! The fair runs from September 11–21. Shop for clothing, maps, photographic prints, puzzles, card decks, and much more! |
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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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Masthead image: The surface of a wooden desk in the Turkey Creek one-room schoolhouse in the Humphrey Heritage Village. A McGuffey's® Fourth Eclectic Reader, a penmanship booklet, an ink blotting paper, a quill pen, and ink bottle are arranged on the antique desk top. |
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