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JOIN THE TOUR TOMORROW NIGHT!
20th Anniversary evening tour with Beck Design
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In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma History Center building, the museum is hosting a unique architectural talk and tour on Thursday, April 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The tour will highlight aspects of the creative process and design. Led by members of Beck Design, participants will enjoy a guided tour through the center to explore design choices that shape visitor experience, learn how architectural details enhance the collection and provide insight into how professional designers bring both function and storytelling to life in a museum setting.
This program is ideal for architecture enthusiasts, art and design students, and anyone interested in the creative vision chosen over several other design submissions! The original scale model and other renderings/sketches will be shown to demonstrate the design process.
This program is $5 (or free for OHS members) and includes light bites, non-alcoholic beverages, and wine/champagne for those 21 and older. If you are interested, please call 405-522-0765 to register.
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Lunch and Learn: “21 Crossing and Ranch” |
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The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will hold a FREE Lunch and Learn webinar about the 21 Crossing and Ranch on Tuesday, April 7, from noon to 1:15 p.m. Central Time.
Established in 1878 by Kansas cattle baron David Greever, the 21 Ranch comprised roughly 200,000 acres in Woods and Major Counties. The history of the original ranch boundaries encompasses everything from rugged outlaws and Native American tribal cairns to Nathan Boone’s 1843 dragoon expedition and the only viable, safe passage across the treacherous and unpredictable Cimarron River. SHPO’s Michael Mayes and Kristina Wyckoff discuss their National Register nomination for the 21 Crossing and Ranch.
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Join Route 66 enthusiasts, policy leaders, business owners, and historians for an exciting summit at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24.
The 2nd Annual Mother Road Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the new things happening on Route 66 and network with people from across the 8 states traversed by the Main Street of America. The summit is sponsored by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission and hosted by the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and Visit OKC.
For more information on the itinerary, hotels, and the agenda, please visit www.motherroadsummit.com. Registration is $100 through April 3 and $150 thereafter.
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395th Army Reserve Band America250 Celebration performance |
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On Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 395th Army Band will be performing at the Oklahoma History Center Museum. They will be celebrating with a special America250 celebration performance, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy a high-energy concert with an “America at 250” theme, featuring patriotic favorites and modern selections that honor the spirit, service, and stories of our nation.
The performance is open to the public at no charge with museum admission. Active-duty military and veterans (with ID) enjoy free admission. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. For additional information, please call 405-522-0765.
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Museum After Dark: Liquid History: Off the Vine |
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On Friday, April 10, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) will present its annual Liquid History event. This year’s theme is “Off the Vine,” which will explore Oklahoma’s rich wine history.
Grape growing and wine production have been an important part of Oklahoma’s horticulture and agritourism industries since before statehood, with the first documented winery being opened in Oklahoma Territory in 1898!
Liquid History is part of the CSRHC’s Museum After Dark series, which allows guests to visit the museum after hours and tour the Humphrey Heritage Village.
This special event is for ages 21and over. Details and ticket information will follow.
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OETA’s Back in Time: “Geronimo” premiere and panel discussion |
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On Thursday, April 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) and the Oklahoma Historical Society will partner to host the FREE premiere screening and panel discussion of the OETA Back in Time series episode “Geronimo.” The public is invited to this exclusive premiere screening and panel discussion at the Oklahoma History Center.
This episode focuses on Geronimo (Chiricahua Apache), one of the most complex and legendary figures of the American West. To some, he was a renegade. To others, a hero. To his own people, he was a protector fighting for survival. As the American West changed and borders were drawn in ink and blood, Geronimo became a symbol of resistance and resilience. He was the last warrior to surrender and spent his final years as a prisoner of war in Oklahoma.
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Hammered Aluminum Ware exhibit opens
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home’s exhibit showcasing hammered aluminum ware will be open through Thursday, April 30. Visitors can view beautiful examples of hammered aluminum metalware, including salad dishes, cookie trays, and pitchers, along with matching tumblers.
The exhibit is included with paid admission.
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 1–5 p.m.
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Easter Egg Hunt
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will have its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4.
The egg hunt begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. on the museum grounds, so please arrive early.
The Easter Bunny will hide thousands of candy-filled eggs for the children to find, and some eggs will contain special prizes. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
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Pawnee Bill Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, April 4, beginning at 10 a.m., the community will come together to celebrate spring and new life at the 97th annual Pawnee Bill Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the local Pawnee Lions Club and the Pawnee Chamber of Commerce.
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“Camp Life of Washington Irving and the Mounted Rangers” |
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On Saturdays, April 11 and April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 to 4 p.m., the Fort Gibson Historic Site staff will hold a come-and-go living history program to recount the year 1832 when expeditions of the western frontier were based at the fort.
The program 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 April weather in Oklahoma.
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The Moments That Made US Print-On-Demand Exhibition was developed through a multi-state collaboration that adapted the acclaimed Moments That Made US exhibition created by History Colorado. In Oklahoma, the initiative is organized by the Oklahoma Historical Society and made available to institutions statewide in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
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Your vote, your history!
OHS Board Ballots due April 22
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The Oklahoma Historical Society is guided by a 25-member Board of Directors, with 13 elected by OHS and 12 appointed by the governor. These board members play a pivotal role in carrying out the OHS mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.
Pursuant to the provisions of Article VII, Section 4, of the Bylaws of the Oklahoma Historical Society, ballots are mailed to all members of the OHS. The names listed on the ballot have been placed in nomination for election to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The 2026 election includes District 5, District 6, and State At-Large.
Ballots are due by noon on Wednesday, April 22. Biographies of all candidates can be found at okhistory.org/board-election. Casting your ballot is your opportunity to influence the leadership that shapes the preservation of our state’s heritage. For more information, contact Tory Tedder-Loffland at 405-522-0843 or tory.tedderloffland@history.ok.gov.
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On this day in 1905, in Enid, Oklahoma Territory, dozens of business and professional men fell prey to an April Fool’s Day joke. John Cannon worked as a jailer at the Garfield County Jail and phoned Judge Houston James with great concern, reporting that he had a prisoner in the jail who was dying and required a last will and testament. Depending on which version of the story you accept, one recounts that when James arrived, Cannon pulled the blanket back to reveal an empty beer bottle, known as a “dead soldier.”
The joke succeeded so well that Cannon and James called as many prominent people in town as possible that Saturday, including doctors, lawyers, judges, bankers, and the undertaker. All of the men were dispatched to help the so-called dying man in one way or another, and had to admit their gullibility in what came to be known as the “Sucker’s Convention” (2015.239.3784.1, Richard McConkay Photo Collection, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, 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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Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 |
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Begin your journey on the Route 66 Resources page on the Oklahoma Historical Society’s website to keep up to date with the upcoming events and exhibits celebrating the legendary Mother Road. Explore a rich collection of online treasures, from interesting archives and podcasts to detailed publications and hands-on educational tools, each highlighting Route 66’s unique role in Oklahoma’s history. Immerse yourself in captivating stories, relive the past through vintage videos, and find your inspirations by visiting the iconic landmarks that dot this iconic highway.
Experience the thrill of more than 400 miles of Route 66 winding through Oklahoma. Head to the Travel Oklahoma website to learn about all of the charming towns, classic roadside diners, and quirky attractions along the nation’s longest drivable stretch of Route 66.
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