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Experience the best of historic western entertainment 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, 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.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62+ and children ages 6–12, and free for children five and younger. Admission is free for active military and veterans. 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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Hemmings Great Race making a stop in Claremore!
This summer, the 2026 Hemmings Great Race—a renowned endurance rally for antique, vintage, and collector cars—will include the Will Rogers Memorial Museum as a key stop along its route on Monday, June 22.
The Hemmings Great Race, presented by Coker Tire, is a nine-day, 2,300-mile classic car rally featuring 120 antique automobiles. The event visits 17 cities along a new route this year. While in Claremore, the drivers will stop for lunch at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, paying tribute to its location on Route 66.
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Juneteenth panel discussion |
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The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will commemorate Juneteenth with a free educational program “Oklahoma, Freedmen, and the Promise of a New Day” and panel discussion at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, June 18. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
A panel featuring Eli Grayson (moderator), LeEtta Osborn-Sampson, Dr. Carla Pratt, and Marilyn Vann will discuss the history of Freedmen in Indian Territory and provide context to contemporary debates surrounding tribal citizenship.
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Peyote Politics: The Making of the Native American Church, 1880–1937 book discussion with Dr. Lisa Barnett |
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The Oklahoma History Center Museum Learning and Engagement team, in partnership with the Metropolitan and Pioneer Library Systems, will lead June and July programs focused on the Red River shipwreck of the steamboat Heroine.
Drawing inspiration from the unearthing of the Heroine in the Red River, participants will dive into a hands-on STEAM adventure to unravel the secrets hidden within the wreck and discover what these clues reveal about Oklahoma’s past. They will step into the shoes of historians and archaeologists, investigating sites as if they were detectives, piecing together fragments to build a compelling story. Along the way, participants will explore the basics of research and archaeological techniques, journey through the bustling river highways of the 1830s and 1840s, and witness how the worlds of archaeology and history combine to bring the past to life.
To find program dates and locations, view Metro Library Summer Fun programs or Pioneer Library System events.
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Watch for these OHS June events! |
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 Summer Activities
OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER
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 “How to use The Gateway to Research your Historic Property.”
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE FREE WEBINAR
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 "Territorial Medicine" lecture with Ben Folger
OKLAHOMA TERRITORIAL MUSEUM AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY
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 OkieTales Storytime Hour
OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER
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 Summer Sounds Concert Series with Travis Kidd
THE CHISHOLM
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 Pops Strange Soda: Cocktails & Collage Night
OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER
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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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