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SAVE THE DATE!
New documentary celebrates Route 66 centennial
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The Oklahoma Historical Society, working with Director Bryan Beasley, producers Jon and Jaime Roman, and the generous support of the Inasmuch Foundation and the Cherokee Film Commission, has produced Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66, a new documentary tracing Route 66 in Oklahoma from Dust Bowl-era hardships to post-WWII road trips. It explores the highway’s history and future through interviews with historians, interactions with small-business owners, and scenes created using virtual production technology.
Oklahoma contains the longest stretch of drivable Route 66 in the United States. As the highway extends from Chicago to Santa Monica, its route through the Oklahoma plains reveals narratives of community and connection.
The documentary will air on OETA on Saturday, August 29, at 4 p.m. Check your local listings for more information.
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The World of Woodward: “Native Lands, Grand Estates, and a City Park” |
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On Tuesday, August 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office will host a free webinar featuring guest Briana Hefley-Shepard, focusing on the history of the Woodward Park and Gardens Historic District in Tulsa.
Join Briana Hefley-Shepard as she delves into the history of Woodward Park and Gardens Historic District. Located in Tulsa, Woodward Park is one of the city’s finest public gardens and features upper and lower rock gardens, formal terraces, and a rose garden. It is also home to beautiful architecture—from the Italian Renaissance villa to the glass conservatory—making Woodward Park an amazing place with an amazing history.
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“A History of Kaw Lake and Kaw Nation” lecture with Claire Cox |
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Join the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m. for a free lecture with OU PhD student Clair Cox on the history of Kaw Lake and the Kaw Nation.
From 1940 to 1982, the US Army Corps of Engineers built more than 200 artificial lakes in Oklahoma. The fact that these lakes are relatively new to the region often escapes public memory, as does the idea that the federal government built each lake at a high ecological and social cost, requiring the destruction of ecosystems and the forced displacement of Native peoples. This presentation will focus on the history of Kaw Lake, located east of Ponca City, Oklahoma, which flooded the Kaw Nation’s reservation.
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JUST A FEW DAYS TO REGISTER!
“Thinking Genealogically” Symposium
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Genealogy Symposium, Inc. is partnering with the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) to hold a three-day, hands-on symposium from August 13 to 15, dedicated to teaching participants how to effectively use Ancestry®, Family Search, and the resources of the OHS John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center. Professional genealogists and educators Billie Stone Fogarty and Dave McDonald will serve as the workshop instructors.
On Thursday, August 13, the group will receive an overview and a teaching tour of Ancestry®, the world’s largest genealogy site. On Friday, August 14, instructors will explore Family Search—one of the world’s largest genealogy organizations and networks. On Saturday, August 15, participants will learn about the OHS digital portal, The Gateway to Oklahoma History, and resources available at the OHS Research Center. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily. Doors to the Oklahoma History Center open at 9:45 a.m. for symposium participants.
Registration is open through August 7, and the workshop will be limited to 48 registrants. The OHS will assist with the program and provide behind-the-scenes tours of the OHS Research Division and museum collections. Lunches will not be provided. Brown bagging is especially encouraged on Saturday.
To learn more, email dave@thegenealogysymposium.com.
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Back-to-School membership specials! |
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Oklahoma Historical Society museums and historic sites offer valuable opportunities to explore history. In August, save $5 on a Basic membership for two, discounted to $35 per year (regularly $40), or save $25 on a Family membership for up to six, at $50 (regularly $75). This exclusive online offer will be available at okhistory.org/members. Both membership levels include unlimited free admission to all OHS museums and historic sites, along with additional benefits. Join or renew by Monday, August 31, to take advantage of these savings.
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Summer Sounds Concert Series with Mackynsie McKedy
On Thursday, August 20, fiddler and Clarksville Creative Sound Country Music Recording Artist Mackynsie McKedy will entertain the crowd on the steps of the A. J. Seay Mansion, across the street from The Chisholm.
The Summer Sounds concerts series brings a rhythm to summer evenings as live music fills the open air at Horizon Hill, the storied home of territorial governor A. J. Seay. It is the perfect time to gather together and indulge in dinner or a sweet treat from a featured food truck starting at 6 p.m. Spread out your favorite blanket, sink into a comfy lawn chair, and let the melodies wash over you from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The family-friendly event is free! For more information, contact the museum at 405-375-5176.
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On August 5, 1932, a Friday night dance in Stringtown ended when Clyde Barrow, Raymond Hamilton, and Everett Milligan opened fire, wounding Atoka County Sheriff Charles G. Maxwell and killing Deputy Sheriff Eugene Moore in what became known as the Stringtown Shoot-Out.
Officers noticed a parked car outside the dance hall on Highway 69 and saw men inside drinking. Since alcohol was prohibited in Oklahoma at the time, they attempted an arrest, which unfortunately resulted in an ambush of the officers.
This night marked the beginning of a series of crimes and violence that occurred across five states, establishing Clyde Barrow and his companion Bonnie Parker as notorious outlaws.
Sheriff Charles G. Maxwell recovered from his wounds and served eight more years as sheriff. A historical marker honoring Eugene Moore’s sacrifice stands in Atoka County near the former dance hall site.
Historical Marker Program
Please visit the Historical Marker Program database at okhistory.org/markers for more information about markers documented in Oklahoma. New location data, descriptions, and photographs are added regularly.
We also continue to accept applications for new historical markers twice yearly. The next application deadline is October 15, 2026.
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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:
Petronella Vossen Turck, her daughter Marie Turck, and her sister Mary Vossen Wittman sitting on the harvest in a cotton field, c.1908 (21762.15, Stearns County Historical Society Collection, OHS).
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