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"Awaiting the Return Home: The Logistics of Refugees at Fort Gibson" |
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On select Saturdays, March 14, 20, and 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 4 p.m., the Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold a special living history education program focused on the life of refugees who relocated to the military outpost in the 1860s.
While the Union army made headway in 1862 and 1863 by capturing Fort Gibson and winning a major battle at Honey Springs, many women, children, and other dependents of Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole soldiers serving in the Union Indian Brigade had to continue living as refugees in the remaining buildings of the palisade square. The talk is included with admission. Interested guests should check in at the Palisade Admissions Office located across the parade square from the entrance gate. Dress accordingly for March weather in Oklahoma.
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Free family event for all ages! |
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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.
The festival will offer many educational opportunities and experiences, including chuckwagon cooking and nutrition demonstrations, livestock, a petting zoo, various crafts, and story time. In addition, Made-in-Oklahoma vendors will attend to illustrate how their products are created and distributed, and musical entertainment will be on the main stage. The event will take place indoors and outdoors.
During this event, visitors can enjoy all festival activities and access to the exhibit galleries for free!
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MAKE-AND-TAKE!
Spring Break Activities at the History Center!
Looking for the perfect spring break activities for your family this season? Visit the Oklahoma History Center Museum (OHCM) to experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma with hands-on exploration and learning.
From March 16–20, set your own pace in the OHCM galleries and enjoy make-and-take crafts, scavenger hunts, and activities added to the museum space. All activities will be included with regular admission.
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The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) #ExploreOHS Travel Contest will be held through Tuesday, March 31. During these dates, participants will travel to OHS museums and historic sites across the state—competing to see who can visit the most sites! This contest is open to the public, and all entries must be submitted on social media using the #ExploreOHS hashtag.
The person (or family/group traveling together) who visits the largest number of OHS sites (March 1–31, 2026) will win a prize pack of OHS swag and your choice of:
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Option 1: Name a baby bison this spring at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum
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Option 2: Behind-the-scenes tour of OKPOP in Tulsa (for up to 6 people)
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SEE THE EXHIBIT
World War I: Lessons and Legacies
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A new Smithsonian poster exhibition, World War I: Lessons and Legacies, is now open in the Jirous Gallery Room at the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School.
World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores “the war to end all wars” and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. It explores the roles that women and minorities played in the war led to the right to vote for women and to a heightened awareness of civil rights issues throughout society.
World War I: Lessons and Legacies is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Museum of American History, in cooperation with the US World War I Centennial Commission.
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
“Around the Hollywood Campfire”
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On Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m., Tulsa-based cabaret star Janet Rutland and author-broadcaster John Wooley return to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with an encore performance of the cabaret production: “Around the Hollywood Campfire.”
This musical revue explores the rich legacy of Western film and television music, with selections ranging from Gene Autry and The Sons of the Pioneers to sophisticated favorites by Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer. The setlist is full of surprises—including a beautiful top 20 hit by the New Christy Minstrels—and pays tribute to the unforgettable soundtracks of television Westerns from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Tickets are $10 for Museum members, and $20 for nonmembers.
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HONEY SPRINGS BATTLEFIELD
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You’re really lookin’ fine, little GTO! |
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This 1967 Pontiac GTO, a true icon of muscle car history, now commands the spotlight at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Step inside air-conditioned comfort to marvel at its bold grill, stacked headlights, and gleaming, flawless condition, as you embark on your own adventure through the legendary story of America’s most celebrated highway.
Set your sights on the state’s official Route 66 showcase, curated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Wander through one-of-a-kind exhibits that capture the heart of Americana and immerse yourself in the full story of the historic highway, where legendary images, ideas, and myths of the Mother Road come to life.
The vehicle is on loan from Amy McCord in memory of her father, David McCord.
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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:
A car hop takes an order at the first Beverly’s Chicken in the Rough Restaurant, located at 2429 N. Lincoln—US Route 66. It opened in 1936. During its heyday, the chain had seven locations in Oklahoma City and expanded to include hundreds of franchise locations nationwide (21412.M3140.25, Z. P. Meyers/Barney Hillerman Photographic Collection, OHS).
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Route 66 celebrates 100 years this year!
For more information about all of the Route 66 centennial events, be sure to visit the OHS website at okhistory.org and the official Oklahoma Route 66 website at okroute66.com.
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