|
Section 7
|
COMING IN A FEW DAYS!
History OffCenter: The Green Book: The Untold Story Behind a Guide to Freedom
|
|
Section 8
|
On Friday, May 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center Museum will present a special screening of the Smithsonian Channel episode The Green Book: Guide to Freedom. Explore the history of The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide that helped African Americans find safe places to stay, eat, and travel—especially along Route 66—during segregation.
A historian-led discussion about Oklahoma’s connection to The Negro Motorist Green Book in Oklahoma history will feature Ed Threatt of Threatt Filling Station and other panelists. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. This event is part of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s History OffCenter series.
The event will take place at Frenzy Brewing in Edmond.
|
|
Section 11
|
CALL IT A NIGHT!
Night Tour at the Fort Towson site
|
|
Section 12
|
Experience history on Friday, May 22, at 8:30 p.m. with a one-hour guided night tour at Fort Towson Historic Site. Fort Towson Director David Reed and OHS Board Member Kenny Sivard will lead you along the parade ground and through the fort’s ruins, sharing stories from firsthand accounts of stationed soldiers. Bring your family for this special evening event as the site stays open after hours.
By candlelight lantern, the historians will guide guests of all ages across the parade ground and through the fort’s remains. At each stop, guides share experiences recorded by the people of Fort Towson, delving into histories beyond what’s found on site signage.
Tickets are $10 per person and must be reserved in advance. Call 580-873-2634 or email fttowson@history.ok.gov today to register for this special event. After registering, you’ll receive confirmation and event details.
|
|
Section 14
Commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary! |
|
Section 15
|
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.
As part of America250, Oklahoma libraries, museums, and civic organizations play a vital role in ensuring that communities across the state can take part in commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. By hosting the exhibition, these institutions create opportunities for residents to explore the stories, ideas, and moments that continue to shape America.
This initiative reflects the enduring importance of libraries, museums, and cultural institutions as trusted, accessible community spaces that connect people with history, expand access to knowledge, and foster civic engagement.
|
|
Section 16
Daughters of Daring: Hollywood Cowgirl Stunt Women book discussion with author Chris Enss |
|
Section 17
|
On Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m., the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue is pleased to host a book discussion with author Chris Enss.
Enss will share untold stories of the bold women who rode harder, roped faster, and stole the spotlight in early Hollywood, while she discusses her new title, Daughters of Daring: Hollywood Cowgirl Stunt Women (2026, Lyons Press).
Daughters of Daring is the story of more than a dozen trick ropers, bronc busters, and bulldoggers turned actresses who, like the early ranch women and rodeo competitors, had pluck and charm. These women performed their own stunts, riding horses at breakneck speed, firing guns, and capturing outlaws.
|
|
Section 20
|
UPCOMING EXHIBIT
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma
|
|
Section 21
|
Oklahoma proudly claims the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation, spanning more than 400 miles. This legendary highway helped shape the heart and soul of Oklahoma, and now a new exhibit brings its story to life with a treasure trove of artifacts, from the monumental to the miniature.
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma exhibit will open at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, May 23.
For 100 years, Route 66 has captured the imagination of the world. Created in 1926, it connected local, state, and national roads into a highway stretching more than 2,000 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This effort was part of a broader push to create a nationwide system of highways connecting cities and towns.
|
|
Section 23
Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Collective History Day |
|
Section 24
|
Join us this May as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. To honor their contributions to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Historical Society will host AANHPI Collective History Day in partnership with the Asian Festival by the Asia Society of Oklahoma (ASO). This event will take place at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring historical recognitions, traditional and modern art performances, educational cultural booths, and the crowning of the next ASO royalty representatives.
Admission to AANHPI Collective History Day is free. Attendees may visit the Oklahoma History Center Museum galleries on the day of the event at a special group rate admission. Food trucks in the parking lot will offer authentic cuisine for purchase.
|
|
Section 26
|
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF HISTORIC WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT
Pawnee Bill Wild West Show coming June 13!
|
|
Section 27
|
The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum celebrates Major Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, his wife May Lillie, and their famous Wild West Shows each June. Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show is held at the original historic ranch site. Stagecoaches roll amid thundering hooves, while gunfire rumbles around Pawnee Bill, May, and their cohorts as the talented performers thrill and amaze audiences.
|
|
Section 28
|
“DIRT IN THE SKIRT”
A League of Their Own showing in Claremore
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a movie night featuring A League of Their Own (1992) in its theatre on Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
Guests can enjoy free admission, popcorn, and drinks while watching the film. Seating is limited, so early arrival is suggested. Thanks to the RCB Bank sponsorship, this event is free to attend. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.
|
|
Section 29
|
LEARN AND ENGAGE
Homeschool Day
The Oklahoma History Center will host a Homeschool Day on Tuesday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy a day of hands-on learning with the Oklahoma History Center’s Learning and Engagement team. On Homeschool Day, there will be free gallery admission, sponsored by Inasmuch Foundation. This special event will include engaging activities, interactive living history presentations, and access to our educational trunks and hands-on carts. Homeschool Day is an excellent opportunity for homeschool students of all ages to explore Oklahoma’s past in a fun and meaningful way!
|
|
Section 30
|
FIXING TO HAVE FUN
Will’s Wild West Kids’ Camp
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold its Will’s Wild West Kids Camp for children ages 7 to 12 from Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. On those days, the camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Children will learn about Will Rogers, cowboys, and life in pre-statehood Oklahoma!
|
|
Section 31
|
AN OPEN BOOK
Storytime: Odder an Otter’s Story
Bring your family and friends to enjoy Storytime on the first and third Saturdays of every month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library staff will share fun stories about Oklahoma animals, people, or places, followed by a themed craft for everyone to enjoy.
On Saturday, May 16, the chosen book will be Odder an Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate.
Everyone is welcome, and the event is completely free!
|
|
Section 34
|
The OHS Research Center has created two new card decks this year: one with pictures and descriptions celebrating the Route 66 centennial, and another focused on Oklahoma history, featuring people, places, and more that make up the state’s history.
|
|
Section 38
|
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.
|
|
Section 41
|
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!
|
|
Section 43
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 |
|
Section 44
|
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 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 inspiration by visiting the iconic landmarks that dot this 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.
|
|
|
|
|
