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Pawnee Bill's Original Wild West Show returns on Saturday, June 13 |
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Each June, the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum celebrates Major Gordon W. “Pawnee Bill” Lillie, his trailblazing wife May, and their legendary Wild West show. This year, excitement returns to the historic ranch on Saturday, June 13, with Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show. Stagecoaches race across the arena, while horses’ hooves pound the earth, and gunfire echoes as Pawnee Bill, May, and their talented troupe dazzle the crowd with heart-pounding feats.
This year’s theme, “The Best of Pawnee Bill,” revives the most iconic acts from the original Wild West show. Show directors weave together drama, storytelling, and authentic history for a show that feels true to its roots.
On show day around the ranch, guests can step back in time with lively blacksmithing displays, daring gunfighters, expert sharpshooters, captivating medicine man acts, and performances by magicians and musicians. The festivities fill the day with excitement and culminate in the arena preshow at 7 p.m. Tickets are not sold in advance or online and must be purchased at the ranch entrance gate on the day of the event.
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Update on Capital Improvement Projects at Fort Gibson |
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On Wednesday, June 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Fort Gibson Historic Site, staff and Oklahoma Historical Society leadership will be on-site to meet with community members curious about the capital improvements underway at the fort. The public is welcome to stop by and learn about current and upcoming projects at the Fort Gibson Historic Site.
Light refreshments will be available. The OHS staff and leadership look forward to talking with folks about the work currently underway at the site to preserve its over 200-year history.
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Summer Activities at the Oklahoma History Center |
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Looking for the perfect summer activities for your family? This summer, visit the Oklahoma History Center to experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma with hands-on exploration and learning.
Throughout the month of June, set your own pace through the Oklahoma History Center Museum galleries and enjoy loads of hands-on summer activities, including make-and-take crafts, scavenger hunts, and other educational self-guided programs in our museum setting. All activities will be included with regular admission.
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Will's Wild West Kids Camp |
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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. Activities include games, 19th-century activities, crafts, nature programs, Cherokee storytelling, and a cowboy magician. A chuck wagon lunch will be served. Children will learn about Will Rogers, cowboys, and what life was like in pre-statehood Oklahoma!
The cost of the camp is $50 per child for nonmembers and $35 per child for Will Rogers Memorial Museum members. All campers must be registered to attend.
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Summer Sounds Concert series - June–August |
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The Summer Sounds Concert Series is back at The Chisholm in Kingfisher, bringing lively music and great energy to your summer nights. It’s hard to believe this family-friendly event is free, especially with such talented performers taking the stage!
On Thursday, June 18, Tulsa’s Travis Kidd will kick things off with his mix of classic and southern rock, country, blues, and folk music. On Thursday, July 16, Kingfisher will host violinist Kyle Dillingham. Later, country artist Mackynsie McKedy will perform on the steps of the A. J. Seay Mansion on Thursday, August 20. For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.
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Lunch and Learn: “How to use The Gateway to Research your Historic Property” webinar |
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America 250! Bench Dedication and Flag Day Recognition |
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On Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m., the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate America 250! at the Oklahoma History Center with the dedication of a new America 250! anniversary bench. The public is welcome to attend the outdoor dedication.
Festivities will include an address by U.S. District Chief Judge Timothy DeGiusti, the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard in Revolutionary War uniforms, Flag Day recognition, special recognition of our veterans, ringing of the Liberty Bell, and an America 250! celebration reception.
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UPCOMING EXHIBIT
Brushes in the Heartland
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The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will open the Brushes in the Heartland exhibit beginning on Tuesday, June 9. The exhibit will feature the works of two art teachers, Charla Enns and Jena Kodesh, both raised in Oklahoma and married to farmers, who developed a deep appreciation for the land and all it provides. The exhibit will run through Saturday, August 8. |
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FREE TO THE PUBLIC
“Territorial Medicine” lecture with Ben Folger
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Come to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Wednesday, June 10, for a free lecture on the history of territorial medicine with PhD student Ben Folger. Folger will be presenting his research on medical frontiers in Oklahoma, their relation to the history of tribal medicine, and the professionalization of medicine.
Ben Folger is a first-year PhD student studying the history of medicine in the American West. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2022
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Grant Foreman (1869–1953) was born in Illinois on this day, June 3, 1869. In his lifetime, he became one of Oklahoma’s most notable historians. With a background in law, he ventured into Indian Territory in 1899 as a Dawes Commission field worker, immersing himself in the culture and history of the Three Forks region and the tribes of eastern Oklahoma. By 1920, Foreman devoted himself to uncovering and preserving the past, embarking on journeys with his wife, Carolyn, to collect stories and publications, and to amass a remarkable personal library. He was elected to the OHS Board of Directors in February 1924. Explore the Grant Foreman Collection on The Gateway to Oklahoma History, which contains many of his photographs. Read more about the life of Grant Foreman in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.
Inset: Grant Foreman in his study, 1941, and in the field while working for the Dawes Commission, c. 1901 (11175, 8470.78, Grant Foreman Collection, 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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Masthead image:
The Yukon Mill and Grain Company’s large grain storage silos became a Route 66 landmark for travelers. Yukon’s Main Street is the historic alignment of the highway, which paved the way for Yukon businesses to prosper and for the town to become an important agricultural hub. Aerial view of Yukon Mill and Grain Co. (22055.11745.1, Ray Jacoby Collection, OHS).
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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.
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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