The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has revealed an extensive winter programme featuring seasonal festivities, living history demonstrations, and the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma History Center. The organisation aims to bring history to life across its museums and historic sites during the Christmas season.
Countdown to Christmas at Hunter’s Home
The centrepiece of the festive schedule is the “Countdown to Christmas” series at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill, which invites visitors to experience holiday traditions as they were celebrated in the mid-19th century.
In the weeks preceding the Hunter’s Home Christmas Open House on 14 December, the site will explore various aspects of the period’s Christmas customs. All Countdown to Christmas activities are free with paid admission from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Through 22 November: Guests can participate in Christmas Decorations, making traditional 1850s ornaments to take home.
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25, 26, and 29 November: Taste of Christmas Past offers visitors the chance to sample festive treats from the 1850s, accompanied by authentic recipes.
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2–6 and 9–10 December: Christmas Gifts sessions allow participants to craft handmade gifts typical of the era for friends or family.
Podcast Marks 20 Years of the Oklahoma History Center
The OHS is also celebrating a major milestone for its flagship institution, the Oklahoma History Center (OHC). A new episode of “A Very OK Podcast” marks the 20th anniversary of the museum’s opening.
In the episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn “explore the political twists and turns in the eight-year journey to complete the Oklahoma Historical Society’s flagship building across from the Oklahoma State Capitol.” Their guest, Don Beck, the award-winning designer of the OHC, reflects on the project’s development and legacy.
Renaissance Festival Workshop Explores Oklahoma’s Medieval Past
On Friday, 5 December, the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program will co-sponsor a free workshop on the history of Renaissance festivals in Oklahoma. Held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Musser Learning Lab in the Oklahoma History Center, the event will be led by Cate Kurtz.
The workshop will trace the development of Renaissance fairs “as grassroots organisations in the 1960s before developing into large entertainment enterprises throughout the United States.” Kurtz will also explore the deeper historical context, noting that “Agrarian communities throughout the American South integrated jousting into their equestrian pastimes, and it was common for community festivals to include medieval imagery.”
Living History and Exhibitions at Fort Gibson
The Fort Gibson Historic Site continues its living history series this month with “Diplomacy and Commerce of the Prairies”, a presentation exploring the Santa Fe Trail in the 1830s. The programme will take place on Saturday, 22 November, from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m., led by historical interpreter Seth Goff.
The site is also hosting the “Dawes Commission in Indian Territory: Cherokee Freedmen” exhibition, supported by a grant from Oklahoma Humanities, which runs until 29 November.
Membership Promotion Offers Access to 20+ Museums
OHS has introduced a limited-time Family Membership offer to encourage wider participation in cultural events. Until 31 January, families can join for $50, a reduction from $75.
The membership provides free admission for six people to more than 20 OHS museums, historic homes, and military sites across Oklahoma. Additional benefits include subscriptions to The Chronicles of Oklahoma, Mistletoe Leaves, and EXTRA!, early registration and event discounts, and a 15% discount at the OHC Museum Store. Members also receive two voting privileges in OHS board elections and can add the Smithsonian Affiliate membership for an additional $25.
Venue Hire for Holiday Events
Businesses and individuals planning seasonal gatherings are encouraged to book the Oklahoma History Center Museum, which offers “a unique setting for your special events, from the most glamorous ceremonies to personal gatherings,” promising “a smooth, stress-free holiday.”
Statewide Christmas Events
The OHS’s extensive network of museums and historic sites will host a series of festive community events throughout December, including:
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“Museum After Dark: Christmas in the Village” – Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
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“Guthrie’s Distinctive Homes Tour and Wassail” – Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library
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“Photos with Santa” – Will Rogers Memorial Museum
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“Christmas Tea” – Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School
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“The Night Before Christmas—Live!” – Hunter’s Home
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“The Ghosts of Christmas Past” – Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue
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“Christmas at the Fort” – Fort Towson Historic Site
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“Drummond Christmas Open House” – Fred and Addie Drummond Home
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“Gingerbread Decoration Day” – Fort Gibson Historic Site
Keeping Oklahoma’s History Alive
Editor Nina Hager encourages the public to stay informed through the OHS website calendar, which “constantly changes with the latest programmes and activities, from seasonal events to celebrations, exhibits, films, educational classes, and workshops.”
Through its broad mix of public programming, research initiatives, and cultural engagement, the Oklahoma Historical Society continues to promote understanding of the state’s diverse history. The organisation also invites audiences to follow its social media channels for updates on exhibitions and community events across Oklahoma.
