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TOMORROW NIGHT! - Live podcast recording at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum! |
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On Thursday, February 12, at 6 p.m., join your favorite podcast hosts, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn, at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum for a special live recording of A Very OK Podcast.
The topic for this on-the-road episode is Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers. They will be discussing his life growing up in the Cherokee Nation, as well as his rise to stardom through vaudeville and motion pictures, his family life, and more! The episode will also feature the history of Will’s connection to Route 66—the Will Rogers Highway. Special guests for this episode are Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and Jennifer Rogers, Will’s great-granddaughter.
Admission to this event is free, and refreshments will be generously provided by the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation. Don’t miss this unique opportunity—mark your calendar and join in an engaging evening celebrating Will Rogers!
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Lunch and Learn: Finding your Native Roots: The Dawes Rolls |
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HISTORIANS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Dr. David Levy (1937–2025)
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Image courtesy the University of Oklahoma
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David W. Levy arrived at the University of Oklahoma (OU) after receiving his PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1967. He retired from OU in 2006 as the Irene and Julian Rothbaum Professor of Modern American History. Dr. Levy was best known nationally for his work on American intellectual and political history. He also became the official historian of OU by publishing two volumes of The University of Oklahoma: A History (OU Press, 2005 and 2015). His 2020 book Breaking Down Barriers: George McLaurin and the Struggle to End Segregated Education (OU Press) received the E. E. Dale Award for the Outstanding Book on Oklahoma History from the OHS. |
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Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet |
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On Thursday, March 19, the Oklahoma Historical Society will honor award recipients and Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame inductees at our annual Awards Banquet. This event is held at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. There will be a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. The dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Cocktail attire is requested, and guests are asked to RSVP by March 9.
The Oklahoma Historical Society will induct Donald L. Fixico, David W. Levy (posthumous), Linda D. Wilson, and Timothy A. Zwink into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma Historical Society 2026 Awards Banquet.
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TOMORROW AT THE OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER
Find out why “We Heart Museums”
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The public is welcome to a special February open house at the Oklahoma History Center Museum (OHCM) on Thursday, February 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a unique after-hours experience at the museum where visitors of all ages can explore exhibits in a relaxed, extended setting. Families and adults alike can participate in interactive activities, games, and a scavenger hunt that reveal the inner workings of museums and highlight the rich resources offered by OHCM.
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Make-and-Take Victorian Valentine |
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On Saturday, February 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library will host a Victorian Valentine crafting program, where participants can make and take a handmade Valentine’s Day card for their sweetheart.
Searching for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Bring your Valentine to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Historic Carnegie Library in Guthrie and tap into your creativity. Art supplies will be available to make (and take) your own Valentine’s card, and staff will be available for assistance. This activity is free with general admission to the museum.
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Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Tour Mobile App launch and presentation |
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On Saturday, February 21, at 1 p.m. the Oklahoma Black Living Legacy will hold a free public event to launch the Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Tour Mobile App. Former state senator Kevin Matthews will serve as guest speaker. Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, will also offer remarks, with entertainment by Oklahoma City hip-hop artist Jabee. The free public event will include an app demonstration, interactive kiosks, and displays. |
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Developed by Oklahoma Black Living Legacy, the app provides a self-guided tour highlighting Oklahoma Civil Rights sites, All-Black towns, and related Native American locations. It uses technology to stimulate tourism, encourage education, a promote economic development while preserving community history. The project is funded through an Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Grant, offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society; a sponsor of the launch. For more information, contact Oklahoma Black Living Legacy at (405) 845-9456.
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Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival
The Oklahoma History Center will hold the 2026 Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly event will encourage the exploration of historic and modern agriculture. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations for visitors of all ages.
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Would your organization like to participate?
The Oklahoma History Center invites organizations to participate in the Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival, where attendees explore historic perspectives, farm life, and how food gets to our table. Families will experience perspectives from Colonial America to the modern day with hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Applications will be accepted through March 1, with selections being made by March 6.
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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:
Black teachers and students stand in front of the Creek Seminole College, Boley (3377.E, Oklahoma Historical Society Photograph Collection, OHS).
About All-Black Towns
All-Black towns first emerged in Indian Territory after the Civil War, when Freedmen (those formerly enslaved by the Five Tribes) settled together for mutual protection and economic security. Amid the forced subdivision of tribal lands into individually owned parcels, a process known as allotment, many Freedmen selected allotments next to each other. African Americans also migrated to Oklahoma Territory to participate in the Land Run of 1889 and other land openings. E. P. McCabe, who helped found the All-Black town of Langston, urged thousands of African Americans to participate in the land runs. The creation of All-Black towns represented an attempt to achieve individual, economic, and social advancement amid a racially segregated society.
All-Black towns represent townsites that were established by African Americans and communities where local governments and key positions such as federal postmaster were controlled by Black officials. Some towns existed for only a short period while others remain incorporated today.
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View the All-Black Towns map of Oklahoma, created by the OHS. It illustrates the approximate locations of a range of All-Black towns established in Oklahoma between 1880 and 1920. |
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