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SEE OUR NEWEST EXHIBIT!
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma
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The Oklahoma History Center Museum is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma. This exhibit shows how Oklahoma’s more than 400 miles of drivable highway shaped local communities and continues to draw travelers today.
Created in 1926, Route 66 quickly became one of the most consequential roads in American history. For Oklahomans, it was an escape route during the Dust Bowl, an economic lifeline for roadside communities, and eventually a casualty of the interstate system. The Longest Stretch traces the story from the road’s rise to its decline and revival through preservation and tourism.
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma is included with regular admission to the Oklahoma History Center Museum, and is free for Oklahoma Historical Society members. Plan your visit to the Oklahoma History Center.
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Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony moves to the Frisco Conference Center
THIS SATURDAY - FROM 1 TO 2:30 P.M.
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The biannual Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Frisco Conference Center, 101 S. 4th Street in Clinton. With the Mother Road celebrating its 100th anniversary, organizers have expanded the event into a centennial celebration featuring exclusive merchandise, Oklahoma authors, historic displays, classic automobiles, and family activities.
Every two years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts two members into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame—one living and one posthumously—and the recipients are traditionally announced during the ceremony. This year, the Hall of Fame committee also selected Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell as a special centennial inductee in recognition of his contributions to preserving and promoting Route 66.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum—home of the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame—traditionally hosts the ceremony, however, this year’s event has moved to the Frisco Conference Center to accommodate larger centennial crowds.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 25, from 12 to 3:30 p.m. so that staff can attend the ceremony.
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READING AND ROPING
OkieTales Storytime with “Buckaroo Bart” Taylor
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On Saturday, July 25, bring your children for a fun-filled OkieTales with “Buckaroo Bart” Taylor from Will Rogers Memorial Museum. He will read his new book, Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. This special story time will include a roping demonstration and lesson.
OkieTales story time and activities are geared toward elementary students, preschoolers, and their families. The books and activities will be largely Oklahoma-themed and connected to the state’s history. Families do not need to register in advance. It’s a free come-and-go program with paid museum admission. OHS members can get in for free.
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Updates on Capital Improvement Projects meetings in Pawnee and Oklahoma City |
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The Oklahoma Historical Society is utilizing Legacy Capital Fund resources to enhance sites in Logan, Muskogee, Pawnee, and Oklahoma counties. Renovations, repairs, and updates are underway at the Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion and the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. To learn more about these capital improvements, you are invited to attend public meetings with OHS leadership in early August to hear about the ongoing work at these sites. |
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PUBLIC MEETING
Update on Capital Improvement Projects at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum
Buffalo Theatre, Pawnee
Wednesday, August 5
5:30 to 7 p.m.
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PUBLIC MEETING
Update on Capital Improvement Projects at Overholser Mansion
Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion Carriage House
Thursday, August 6
5:30 to 7 p.m.
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Basic Barn Quilt Workshop
The Chisholm in Kingfisher will hold a Basic Barn Quilt Workshop on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oklahoma State University Extension educator Lindy Hoel will lead the workshop. Each participant will complete a barn quilt to proudly display at home.
Registration is required, and classes are limited to 24 people. The cost is $70, and lunch is included with registration. The workshops are for adults or teens attending with an adult.
Please get in touch with The Chisholm at 405-375-5176 to reserve your place.
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Antique Handkerchiefs exhibit open through August
The Fred and Addie Drummond Home will display a collection of antique handkerchiefs from Saturday, August 1, through Sunday, August 30. The special collection of dainty fabric squares will feature a variety of cheerful designs.
In the late 1800s, women often carried handkerchiefs to dab their noses and dry a tear. Men and women commonly used handkerchiefs before the mass production of disposable facial tissues after the Spanish Flu of 1918. Women of the 19th century, like Adeline Drummond, elevated the quality of handkerchiefs through embroidery and tatting, adding monograms and designs.
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Brushes in the Heartland
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, who were raised in Oklahoma and developed a deep appreciation for the land and its offerings through a life of farming. Enns and Kodesh capture the spirit of each season.
The exhibit will run through Saturday, August 8.
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Teacher Open House
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will be open during special evening hours on Friday, July 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to host a FREE Teacher Open House.
This event is to show our appreciation for all of our area teachers by giving them a break from classroom decorating to visit the Heritage Center, learn about programs, explore, play games, win prizes, and more!
All K-12 teachers are welcome! For more information, call 580-237-1907 or email csrchinfo@history.ok.gov.
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Movie Night featuring Disney’s Lilo and Stitch (2002)
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore will host a movie night featuring Disney’s Lilo and Stitch (2002) in its theatre on Friday, July 31, at 7 p.m. The July event will be a Scouting America “Bring-A-Friend Night.”
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.
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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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The Parking Meter is an Oklahoma invention
In the 1930s, downtown workers in cities such as Oklahoma City occupied most parking spaces, forcing retail customers to park farther from stores. To address this issue, Carl Magee, in collaboration with engineers at Oklahoma State University, invented the first parking meter, installed in Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935. This coin-operated device prevented individuals from monopolizing spaces, improved parking availability, and generated city revenue at a rate of five cents per hour, with fines issued when time expired.
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Masthead image: Officer W. L. Williams playfully issues a ticket to an unnamed horse, caught lingering too long at an expired meter during Oklahoma City’s Frontier Fun Days in 1958. This two-day back-to-school sales event, held on August 12 and 13, invited families downtown to experience the ‘Wild West’ while they shopped. With Main Street between Robinson and Hudson closed to cars, the two-block area staged roping and riding shows, stagecoach adventures, a burro mine train, and a host of other attractions (2012.201.B1412.0209, Oklahoma Publishing Company Collection, OHS). |
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