|
|
TOMORROW AT THE HISTORY CENTER!
OETA’s Back In Time: “Woody Guthrie” premiere screening and panel discussion
|
|
|
The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), in partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma History Center, invites the public to a special premiere screening examining the life of Woody Guthrie. Be among the first to see this new Back In Time episode as we trace Guthrie’s journey from his Oklahoma roots to a career that would influence generations of musicians and help shape American folk music. This Back in Time episode will screen on Thursday, October 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. This event is free, but registration is encouraged. Seating is limited.
|
|
Visit the Oklahoma History Center
At the Oklahoma History Center, visitors experience Smithsonian-quality exhibits that bring to life the voices and visions of Oklahoma, view more than 50 topics and 2,000 artifacts that reflect Oklahoma’s inspiring and adventurous past, and explore Oklahoma’s rich and diverse history.
The 18-acre, 215,000-square-foot learning center explores Oklahoma’s unique history of Native culture, pioneers, aviation, commerce, and more. The Oklahoma History Center Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
|
The Oklahoma History Center Museum, in partnership with the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma, is proud to announce Our Journeys, presented by Vietnamese Boat People. This multimedia traveling exhibition was created by the New Jersey-based nonprofit Vietnamese Boat People, the exhibition centers the voices of Vietnamese Americans through oral histories, photographs, and interactive elements that explore migration, memory, and resilience across generations. The exhibit debuted in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the displacement of millions of Vietnamese refugees whose stories continue to shape communities across the country—including here in Oklahoma.
|
|
|
EXHIBIT PROGRAMMING
Year of the Cat free film screening
On Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., in partnership with the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma History Center Museum will screen the film Year of the Cat.
Year of the Cat (2025) follows filmmaker Tony Nguyen on an extraordinary quest to solve the mystery of his father, lost in the chaos of the Fall of Saigon 50 years ago. Crafted as an investigative home movie, this intensely raw documentary weaves together moments of humor and heartache, offering an intimate look at how the children of refugees are shaped by war and loss.
|
|
OHS Board Elections and Nominations |
|
|
Have you been a member for at least two years and reside in Oklahoma? Join the OHS Board of Directors. OHS members will elect board members for districts 2, 4, and two at-large in April. Submit the self-nomination form by Thursday, October 15. Direct questions to Tory Tedder-Loffland, membership officer, at 405-522-0843 or tory.tedderloffland@history.ok.gov.
|
|
English Paper Piecing workshop with Robbin Davis |
|
|
THIS WEEKEND
Doaksville Candlelight Tours
|
|
|
The annual Doaksville Candlelight Tours are scheduled for Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Doaksville Archaeological Site in Fort Towson. This annual event is a unique opportunity to experience the past through reenactor-led tours of the area’s history, which this year will delve into Dr. Eli S. Penwell's legacy. This walking tour moves through lantern-lit vignette scenes with several interpreters providing historical context along the way. Attendees are advised that the terrain is rugged. For additional information, please call 580-873-2634 or email fttowson@history.ok.gov.
|
|
|
OCTOBER 21 TO 24!
Annual Research Center Book Sale
|
|
|
The Oklahoma Historical Society’s (OHS) John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center will host its 2026 annual book sale from Wednesday, October 21, through Saturday, October 24, at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. Visitors can shop for reproductions of historic posters, maps, and photographs, as well as several books on military topics and collectibles. For family history researchers, several genealogical publications will be available for sale.
|
|
Unidos, Somos Más
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
|
|
National Hispanic Heritage Month is underway with the theme of Unidos, Somos Más (Together, We Are More). The national celebration spotlights the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens tracing their ancestry to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. |
|
He served with distinction
Private First Class Manuel Perez Jr., born in Oklahoma City in 1923, served in the US Army during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Philippines on February 13, 1945. The final line of his Medal of Honor citation states: “Through his courageous determination and heroic disregard of grave danger, Pfc. Perez made possible the successful advance of his unit toward a valuable objective and provided a lasting inspiration for his comrades.” Perez was killed by a sniper one month later. In 1946, his father received the Medal of Honor on the International Bridge between Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
Additional information about Perez’s service, as well as his portrait and medal, are currently on display at the Oklahoma History Center. (2018.064.002.1,2 and 2012.201.B1017.0012, OPUBCO Photography Collection, OHS).
Uncover the stories of your ancestors with the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center's online resources.
|
|
 Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66 reveals why Oklahoma is the heart of the Mother Road, weaving together the rich history of America’s most iconic highway with the inspiring stories of the people who continue to live, dream, and shape Route 66’s next 100 years.
Upcoming Free Screenings:
-
October 15 - 7 p.m., Showbiz Cinemas, Edmond
Reserve a free seat
-
October 22 - 7 p.m., Circle Cinema, Tulsa
-
October 27 - 6 p.m., Centre Theatre, El Reno
|
|
Overnight at the Museum
Only a few days remain to enroll for Overnight at the Museum, an activity-filled sleepover at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum! Children and a parent or guardian can stay overnight, sleep where they choose, and play into the early hours. The event will begin Friday, October 16, at 6 p.m. and wrap up with breakfast on Saturday morning!
|
|
Fall Activities at the Oklahoma History Center
Looking for the perfect fall activities for your family? Oklahoma History Center From Friday, October 9, through Monday, October 19, set your own pace through the Oklahoma History Center galleries and enjoy make-and-take crafts, scavenger hunts, and/or other activities in a museum setting.
All activities will be included with regular admission.
|
|
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. |
|
|
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!
Masthead image:
A young boy, dressed in period clothing, crouches on the ground in Checotah to watch the Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment (Staff photo by Trait Thompson).
Woody Guthrie image:
Aumuller, Al, photographer. Woody Guthrie, half-length portrait, seated, facing front, playing a guitar that has a sticker attached reading: This Machine Kills Fascists / World Telegram photo by Al Aumuller, 1943, Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2002709330/, Library of Congress.
|
|
|
|
|
