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Visit OHS museums and historic sites this season!
What do Wild West Shows, Victorian mansions, ranch 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 hit 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
Rough Riders from Oklahoma
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After the US declared war on Spain in 1898, Secretary of War Russell Alger organized three volunteer cavalry regiments "to be composed exclusively of frontiersmen possessing special qualifications of horsemen and marksmen...” The First US Volunteer Cavalry regiment came to be known as the Rough Riders. Led by Colonel Leonard Wood and Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders played an important role in the American victories against the Spanish in Cuba. Residents of Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory volunteered in droves and, through their actions in battle, earned the respect of a future US president. In this latest episode of A Very OK Podcast, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn delve into the stories of the Spanish-American War and the men who fought in it. Their guest is Dr. Denise Neil, executive director of the Oklahoma National Guard Museum.
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2026 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
Be a part of our mission
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This year, the Oklahoma Historical Society invites you to help us raise $90,000 by July 1, 2026, providing vital operational support for our efforts across the state.
Gifts to our annual giving campaign support the behind-the-scenes work that makes our mission possible, including the maintenance of essential equipment, the purchase of preservation supplies, and the funding of educational programs and events that bring history to life. Every dollar strengthens our ability to serve communities statewide and inspires learners of all ages to experience history in new and meaningful ways.
This holiday season, your tax-deductible gift helps our mission come to life. It ensures that the stories, artifacts, and traditions that tell our state’s history remain accessible for generations to come. Thanks to supporters like you, we are already 58% of the way to our goal. With your help, we can reach the finish line.
Thank you for your generosity and for being an essential part of our work.
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Winter Solstice Tours with Anna Vincent |
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Celebrate the start of winter a little differently this year!
On Saturday, December 20, the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will host two guided tours in celebration of the winter solstice.
Anna Vincent, the current director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, will lead the tours. Two tours will be offered that day—one at 11 a.m., and another at 4 p.m. The 4 p.m. walk will conclude with a viewing of the sunset on the upper terrace, followed by a bonfire and hot chocolate at the visitor center. In the event of inclement weather, the talks will be held inside the visitor center at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission to the site, including the solstice tours, is currently free. Reservations are required only for large groups.
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FORT GIBSON HISTORIC SITE
Gingerbread Decoration Day
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It’s once again time for Gingerbread Decoration Day—a Fort Gibson Historic Site family tradition! On Saturday, December 20, site staff will begin pulling gingerbread cookies from our 1860s bake oven for visitors to decorate in the traditional 19th-century style.
Decoration stations with all the supplies will be set up at a station in the pre-Civil War commissary. Join in the fun of this winter tradition and decorate gingerbread with you family, or purchase a kit to take home and decorate. Cookies go on sale for $7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or while supplies last. This program offers a leisurely time for guests to enjoy with their families.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY!
Join the Oklahoma Historical Society and help preserve Oklahoma's heritage
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By joining the Oklahoma Historical Society, you become part of a legacy forged by generations of remarkable individuals. From the Native Americans who first inhabited these lands to the civil rights leaders, sports heroes, public servants, veterans, entertainers, artists, and citizens who followed, you connect with the rich tapestry of Oklahoma’s history.
Family Membership Special
For a limited time, Family Memberships are only $50!
Treat yourself to a membership or give the gift of history to someone special.
For the history lover in your life, OHS membership is the gift that keeps giving all year long!
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A lifetime of artistry and achievement |
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Wes Studi (Cherokee) was born on December 17, 1947, in Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma. He is an award-winning actor, producer, musician, and artist. But even before his notable performances in films such as Dances with Wolves (1990) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Studi filled other vital roles outside the film industry.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and participated in demonstrations alongside Native American activist organizations. He has also taught the Cherokee language and its syllabary to Oklahoma students. In 2019, Studi was honored with an Academy Honorary Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, making him the first Native American actor and the first Indigenous person from North America to receive an Oscar.
Read more about the life of Wes Studi in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
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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: Street holiday light displays shine on the downtown streets of Oklahoma City as cars drive underneath, December 1964 (2012.201.B0974B.0685, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS). |
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