Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Historical Society Collecting, preserving, and sharing Oklahoma history since 1893
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From the Archives:This undated photo shows cowboys at dinner. The photo was taken at Ross Stratton’s Turkey Creek Ranch ...
09/13/2026

From the Archives:

This undated photo shows cowboys at dinner. The photo was taken at Ross Stratton’s Turkey Creek Ranch near present-day Enid, Oklahoma.

What do you think they were eating?

(5078, Thomas N. Athey Collection, OHS)

The 2026 Doaksville Candlelight Tours are in less than one month! Mark your calendars for Friday, October 9, and Saturda...
09/12/2026

The 2026 Doaksville Candlelight Tours are in less than one month! Mark your calendars for Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, at the Doaksville Archaeological Site in Fort Towson, Oklahoma. This event is organized by Fort Towson Historic Site.

This year’s theme will primarily focus on the story of Dr. Eli S. Penwell, who tried to reach Union-held Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1864 but was captured by Confederate troops. Penwell and the others in his group were taken to the area of Fort Towson and Doaksville to await trial.

The first tour leaves each night at 7 p.m., and groups will depart every 30 minutes until the final tour starts at 9:30 p.m. Each tour will last between 45 minutes and one hour.

This event typically sells out, so buy your tickets today. This event is first come, first served, with advanced ticket holders seated first. Call 580-873-2634 or email [email protected] to make your reservation. Tickets are $12 per person. Kids six and under are free. Attendees are advised that the terrain is rugged.

These photos are from the 2025 event, which focused on the 160th anniversary of Stand Watie and Doaksville in 1865.

We were honored to welcome Chickasaw Governor Chris Anoatubby for a tour of the Oklahoma History Center Museum. The Chic...
09/11/2026

We were honored to welcome Chickasaw Governor Chris Anoatubby for a tour of the Oklahoma History Center Museum. The Chickasaw Nation has always been a great partner with the Oklahoma Historical Society in helping to preserve our state’s history, and we are excited to continue that legacy under Gov. Anoatubby’s administration.

Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. The Oklahoma Historical Society is honored to join the National September 1...
09/11/2026

Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. The Oklahoma Historical Society is honored to join the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in remembrance and share this picture of the sky to help a new generation of Americans .

The Rabbit Creek School in Cotton County, Oklahoma, was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP...
09/10/2026

The Rabbit Creek School in Cotton County, Oklahoma, was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The NRHP is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past. The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office identifies, evaluates, and nominates properties for this special designation.

The Rabbit Creek School (south of Randlett) has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as a two-room schoolhouse designed and built during the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era. Appropriated in 1935 with construction finished by 1937, Rabbit Creek School employed 26 local workers through the New Deal Federal Relief Program, bringing much-needed employment to Cotton County during the Great Depression. Approximately 29 students across the county would make up Rabbit Creek’s first class in 1937 under the tutelage of husband-and-wife instructors James and Vera Killingsworth. Miss Ella Green would be employed as the school cook. Rabbit Creek would serve students of rural Cotton County until its closure in 1956.

Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection, and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties.

Three amazing Oklahoma Historical Society employees were honored at a recent staff meeting for either going above and be...
09/10/2026

Three amazing Oklahoma Historical Society employees were honored at a recent staff meeting for either going above and beyond or for excellence in their daily work.

Angela Spindle (Above and Beyond Award) and Bridget Lewis (Excellence Award) are pictured with OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson. Collin Davis (Excellence Award) also received an award, but is not pictured.

If you missed the premiere of “Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66” on OETA last month, don’t worry! There are mo...
09/09/2026

If you missed the premiere of “Crossroads of America: Oklahoma’s Route 66” on OETA last month, don’t worry! There are more chances for you to see it. We have three FREE screenings planned this month.

📅 Sunday, September 13, at 8 p.m.
📍 Tee P*e Drive-In in Sapulpa, Oklahoma

📅 Sunday, September 20, at 4 p.m.
📍 Center Theater on 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma

📅 Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m.
📍 Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

This documentary examines the evolution of Route 66 in Oklahoma, from the hardships of the Dust Bowl era to post-WWII road trips. Some of the scenes (like the one in this picture) were created using virtual production technology filmed at the Cherokee Film Studios.

Special thanks to the Inasmuch Foundation and Cherokee Film Commission for their support on this project.

Here is some Trivia Tuesday to start your day!How many federally recognized tribes are in Oklahoma?This photo shows the ...
09/08/2026

Here is some Trivia Tuesday to start your day!

How many federally recognized tribes are in Oklahoma?

This photo shows the Cherokee National Capitol in 1924.

(15240, Muriel Wright Collection, OHS)

Do you remember the days of having your milk delivered?This photo from 1973 shows a milkman loading his delivery truck b...
09/06/2026

Do you remember the days of having your milk delivered?

This photo from 1973 shows a milkman loading his delivery truck before starting his route.

(2012.201.B1134.0349, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS)

Then and Now: Route 66Construction on McLain Rogers Park in Clinton, Oklahoma, started in the mid-1930s and continued fo...
09/05/2026

Then and Now: Route 66

Construction on McLain Rogers Park in Clinton, Oklahoma, started in the mid-1930s and continued for several years. It was funded through New Deal programs. The outdoor amphitheater can fit several hundred people.

Address

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK
73105

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+14055212491

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