Mistletoe Leaves, July/August 2026, Vol. 57, No. 4

Mistletoe Leaves

Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Saturday, July 25

The Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at the Frisco Conference Center, 101 S. 4th Street in Clinton. The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will be a sponsor of the event, and OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson will be attending.

At 2 p.m., the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will induct two individuals into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame, including one posthumous recipient. This year also features a third, special centennial inductee, all to be announced at the ceremony.

Inductions are held every two years for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion or preservation of Route 66.

Association members can nominate candidates at any time throughout the year by submitting nomination forms, which are available, along with a list of past honorees, at the Oklahoma Route 66 Association/Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame.

The Longest Stretch celebrates Route 66 centennial

This summer, visit The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma exhibit, ready to transport you along Oklahoma’s legendary Route 66. Follow the glow of neon signs and the vintage Taft Stadium marquee as they direct you toward the Gaylord Special Exhibit Gallery of the Oklahoma History Center.

The Longest Stretch marks the highway’s 100th anniversary and lasting appeal, highlighting its rise, decline, and revival.

Journey through more than 400 miles of drivable highway, stopping at thoughtfully designed signage that weaves a story, revealing how this iconic stretch mapped the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s communities.

Experience Route 66’s golden era through a vibrant collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Retired gas pumps, vintage repair tools, colorful maps, and classic petroleum company giveaways tell the story of how all kinds of roadside businesses flourished along its route. View a replica of the Arcadia Round Barn, explore a menu from Lucille’s near Hydro, learn about the Threatt family’s vital filling station for Black travelers in Luther, and spot a legendary Cain’s Ballroom poster from Tulsa. Rich histories tie these treasures together, unfolding a century of life on the roadway. Brilliant neon signs bring back memories of days gone by, as you

revisit classic stops like Vinita’s Hi-Way Cafe, Oklahoma City’s Charcoal Oven, and Miami’s Frontier Motel. These landmarks are just a few that capture the lively spirit and hope of Oklahoma’s postwar boom. Sweeping murals, interactive elements, and a deep dive into the last 100 years of the cherished highway create an immersive journey through key Route 66 towns in the state. Hands-on interactives and touchscreen displays enhance the experience and provide useful maps and resources.

View a 1915 Model T Roadster and a 1961 Corvette (on loan from the National Corvette Museum), each representing Route 66’s Americana culture.

Step inside The Longest Stretch at the Oklahoma History Center and enjoy the air-conditioned comfort while you embark on an unforgettable adventure within the exhibit.

Route 66-themed podcast episodes celebrate centennial

Tune in to this year’s A Very OK Podcast as it rolls out new episodes in honor of the Route 66 centennial. Follow OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn as they dive into captivating stories of the Mother Road, from Cyrus Avery and the Good Roads Movement, to the Will Rogers Highway, iconic Route 66 architecture, and Steinbeck’s classic The Grapes of Wrath. Every episode in 2026 is dedicated to the people, places, and stories connected to a century of the legendary highway. More episodes are added every month. Visit okhistory.org/avokp to get a fresh take on the history of Oklahoma. Find episodes on your favorite listening platform and on YouTube.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917.

By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors, 3,600 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,303.00 bimonthly. The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization.

Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the OHS in partial fulfillment of its mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate content as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit.

All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination in state and federallyassisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap.

Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-8377631 and/or the director, Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240.

By Trait Thompson

A few years ago, the great singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen penned a song with the lyric, “The road goes on forever and the party never ends.” In many ways, that has been an apt description of the whirlwind of activities and events I have been involved in over the past couple of months.

In late April, the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) hosted the second Annual Mother Road Summit at the Oklahoma History Center. This event was conceived by the National Route 66 Centennial Commission in 2025 and Oklahoma stepped up to host it this year. We had a fantastic turnout with over 150 attendees representing seven of the eight states along Route 66. Most of our guests had never been to the Oklahoma History Center before, so it offered us a real opportunity to shine.

I was very pleased to play host to The New York Times reporter Ken Belson on the first day of the summit. We drove together to the ribbon cutting for the You Are Here art installation in Wellston and I had a wonderful opportunity to talk to him about Oklahoma and our unique connection to Route 66. I found out he was a fan of The Beatles, so of course I had to stop in Arcadia on our way back and show him the sign marking the spot where Paul McCartney stopped and asked directions in 2009.

On May 23, we opened our new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center, The Longest Stretch: Oklahoma’s Route 66. I am very proud of our curatorial, collections, and exhibit design team members who worked for two years putting together this exhibit. It is a marvelous, comprehensive look at the history of Route 66 in Oklahoma. I highly encourage you to set aside time soon to come see it.

During the last weekend in May, Tulsa and Oklahoma City held major events to celebrate the Route 66 centennial.

The OHS had a booth at the Tulsa Route 66 Capital Cruise Expo for two days and we were inundated with visitors the entire time. I worked in our booth on the Friday before the cruise, and it was very gratifying to speak with so many people from points near and far about our history. I was also honored to drive my dad’s pickup in his memory in the record-setting cruise.

That night, the celebration of the Mother Road and Game 7 of the NBA’s Western Conference Finals converged in Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park. A great night of live music culminated with a performance from one of Oklahoma’s stars, Kaitlin Butts. She wowed the crowd with her edgy brand of country music right before a jaw-dropping drone show. The drones lit up the sky with images from Route 66, set to a fun soundtrack. It was my first drone show and I hope I get to see another one soon.

Keep an eye out for more great Route 66 events and activities throughout the year. We’re just getting started!

First parking meter installed in 1935

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.

Magee’s prototype (seen at left), called “Black Maria,” received a patent for its coin-fed mechanism. Its components were housed in an outer shell built by a plumber. As more streamlined versions were developed, Magee renamed the device the “Park-O-Meter.”

Stories from the Road: Progress on Historical Markers Continues

The OHS Historical Marker Program commemorates people, places, and events significant in Oklahoma history. Today, there are records for more than 700 markers across the state. Many of these markers no longer exist, and not all of them are sponsored by the OHS. It is impossible for one person to keep an eye on every historical marker in Oklahoma. Therefore, support from local people, communities, and organizations is essential for the program to remain relevant.

After receiving an alert from the local caretaker, OHS staff ventured to Blaine County in October 2025 to examine the Jesse Chisholm gravesite (pictured above to far left). They cleaned the granite marker and headstone and repainted the metal pipe railings that protect both objects, giving the site a much-needed update.

In Grady County, Tuttle Historical Society and Tuttle High School took the initiative to refurbish the Run of ’89 South Boundary historical marker on State Highway 37. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation chipped in by resetting the marker post. Today, the nearly 70-year-old marker looks almost brand new.

The replacement of damaged and missing OHS markers through the Legacy Capital Financing Fund is ongoing. Many of these date to 1949–50, when the program started, and require additional research and consultation with Tribal Historic Pres ervation Officers to verify their ac curacy and relevance. Replacement markers for Fort Supply, Goodwater Choctaw Mission, Rose Hill Plantation, Alexander Posey, and the California Road have been installed in the past year. This fund also supports the installation of new historical markers that commemorate places, events, and people important to state history that have heretofore been unrepresented in the program. Notable examples include Edwards’s Post, Craterville Park, and Kate Barnard.

Work in support of historical markers also occurs behind the scenes and in the archives. OHS volunteer Cindy Miller has begun a significant undertaking to update and reorganize the program’s administrative files, which are housed in the Oklahoma History Center. These files provide valuable information on markers across the state, with many including documentation that dates to the mid-20th century. In partnership with the University of Oklahoma Service Learning Internship Program, undergraduate history majors have an opportunity to assist with the research and writing necessary to replace damaged and missing markers. During their work, students apply skills in historical methods to verify and, when necessary, revise information. They also meet with research staff and learn more about career opportunities in public history.

National Historic Marker Weekend, sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and held each April, encourages individuals and groups to care for historical markers in their communities. The annual event has become a favorite among OHS staff. It also fosters unique opportunities for collabo ration. Sandy Cole Flores, the Oklahoma Department Historian for Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, along with her daughter Katelyn, coordinated with site director Molly Hutchins to clean the granite markers at Honey Springs Battlefield. For over five hours (and an occasional need for a step ladder) they applied plastic scrapers, soft brushes, water, and a biological solution to remove all dirt and growth from the markers without harming the granite itself.

In these ways the OHS strives to ensure that historical markers remain a viable way for the public to engage in Oklahoma history. 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.

Regional Director Nathan Turner, Director of the Oklahoma History Center Museum Nicole Harvey, and an intern clean the Carnegie Library historical marker in front of the Oklahoma Territorial Museum.

OHS Calendar of Events

July

1 - Summer Activities begin at the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

4 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

6–7 - Li’l Buckaroos Kids Camp, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

8 - “Most Endangered Places” webinar, State Historic Preservation Office

9 - OETA Back in Time: “Belle Starr,” Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

Basic Barn Quilts workshop returns

August

1 - Brushes in the Heartland exhibit closes, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

1 - Antique Handkerchiefs exhibit opens, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy

11 - OkieTales Storytime, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

11 - “Around the Hollywood Campfire,” Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

15 - Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

16 - Historic Preservation Review Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, and virtually on Teams

16 - Summer Sounds Concert Series with Kyle Dillingham, The Chisholm, Kingfisher

18 - The Battle of Honey Springs Memorial, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah

18 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

18 - OkieTales Storytime, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

18 - “Photos, Documents, Even Textiles” preservation workshop, Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, Guthrie

22 - Oklahoma Historical Society Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

25 - OkieTales Storytime, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

25 - Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton

31 - Movie Night featuring Disney’s Lilo and Stitch (2002), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

31 - Summer Activities conclude at the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

1 - Basic Barn Quilt Workshop, The Chisholm, Kingfisher

1 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

2 - World War I: Lessons and Legacies exhibit closes, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry

4 - Teacher Resource Fair, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City

4 - Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

11 - The World of Woodward: “Native Lands, Grand Estates, and a City Park” webinar, State Historic Preservation Office

11 - “A History of Kaw Lake and Kaw Nation” lecture with Claire Cox, Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library, Guthrie

13–15 - “Thinking Genealogically” Symposium, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

14 - Wreath Laying and Flyover, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

15 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

19 - Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

20 - Summer Sounds Concert Series with Mackynsie McKedy, The Chisholm, Kingfisher

28 - Movie Night featuring Story (1984), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

28 - Honoring our Ancestors: The Art of Beth Loftin, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School

30 - Antique Handkerchiefs exhibit closes, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy

A restored Big Boy statue awaits visitors at the entrance to The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center.

America 250! bench dedicated

The Chisholm in Kingfisher will hold a Basic Barn Quilt Workshop on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Barn quilts are square boards painted to resemble quilt blocks and then placed on buildings. They have evolved into a rural development initiative to boost tourism in communities. Oklahoma State University Extension educator Lindy Hoel will lead the workshop. Each participant will complete a barn quilt to display at home proudly.

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 contact The Chisholm at 405-3755176 to reserve your place.

Back-to-School

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

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.

This summer, a new America 250! anniversary bench was dedicated by the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution just outside the Oklahoma History Center. The bench, which honors all men and women who helped achieve American independence, will be a permanent feature on the Oklahoma History Center grounds.

1893 Cheyenne Arapaho childrens’ drawings focus of global exhibition

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library in Guthrie is collaborating with the International Research and Archives Network (IRAND) to present an accessible online exhibit of artwork created by Cheyenne and Arapaho children who attended the Seger Indian Training School in Washita County, Oklahoma, in the 1890s. The project will become a museum resource, creating content available for downloading as an international presentation next year. In addition, museum staff will collaborate with Dr. Eric Singleton of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to develop a physical exhibit of the drawings in 2027.

The drawings were originally collected by Florence Louise Hitchcock Burke, a US deputy marshal’s stenographer, during her travels on westward circuit court rides in 1893. Burke got the drawings from Cheyenne and Arapaho schoolchildren attending the Seger Indian Training School. She is believed to have been a guest in the Seger family home.

Established by John Homer Seger in the late 19th century, the Seger Indian Training School focused on foundational subjects, including reading, writing, and arithmetic. As students advanced, they received mechanical and vocational training, including house building, masonry, basic accounting, and agricultural practices like cattle ranching and animal husbandry.

Members of the Burke family donated the drawings to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library. This project is one of the first in the United States to join the international effort highlighting children’s artwork and experiences preserved in archives and research institutions.

IRAND is dedicated to preserving and archiving children’s and youth drawings from the 20th century, encouraging historians to broaden their criteria for what constitutes a historically significant artifact to encompass a wider array of materials. The organization considers endangered collections like these to be significant historical documents suitable for preservation and advanced academic research. IRAND is a cooperating institution of the Sub-Committee on Education Research of UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program. UNESCO is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication to foster peace worldwide.

Nash/Galbreath family donates puppet to OKPOP

Many people know and love Donald Duck, but not everyone realizes that Oklahoman Clarence Nash was the voice behind this Disney character. He discovered the distinctive sound of what became the Donald Duck character as a boy, by experimenting with a technique of speech using his inner cheek while trying to imitate his pet goat.

Nash’s first Disney role was in the 1934 animated short The Wise Little Hen, which was also Donald’s debut. In addition to voicing Donald for 51 years, he also provided the voices for Donald’s nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, as well as his girlfriend Daisy.

The Nash and Galbreath family recently gave this rare vintage Donald Duck puppet and other mem orabilia to the OKPOP Museum to help preserve Clarence Nash’s Oklahoma heritage as one of the state’s most famous pop culture figures.

OKPOP has begun designing the long-await ed museum—planning the main layout and stories before exhibit construction and installation begin. As plans are made, the museum continues to collect artifacts, archival materials, film and video, and audio recordings that reflect the unique stories of Okla homa’s national and international influence.

Brushes in the Heartland

The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center’s (CSRHC) Brushes in the Heartland exhibit features works by 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.

Paintings with expressive brushstrokes and vivid imagery pay tribute to Oklahoma’s captivating landscapes. Using earthy materials such as pine needles, lamb’s wool, charcoal from burnt wood, natural pigments, and handmade pulp paper, their paintings are layered with the land’s textures and colors.

The exhibit will remain open at CSRHC in Enid until Saturday, August 8.

Filed in Fairbanks

Humorist Will Rogers and aviator Wiley Post were killed in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska, 91 years ago this August 15.

Along with thousands of newspapers available on The Gateway to Oklahoma History, a digital copy of The Chickasha Daily Express from August 16, 1935, dedicated its front page to news of the fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of these important Americans. It features news coverage, brief biographies, public reactions, and the final “Will Rogers Says” column, written by Rogers in Fairbanks, Alaska, on August 15, 1935. An editor’s note accompanying the column includes this message:

“This is the last of Rogers’ pithy, philosophical daily comments which have become an ‘institution,’ a part of the daily lives of millions throughout the world.”

To read the original newspaper, visit The Gateway to Oklahoma History at okhistory. org/fairbanks.

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Will Rogers’s tomb at noon on Friday, August 14, to commemorate the anniversary of his passing. The event will include a memorial flyover by pilot Tom Egbert.

The newspaper archives of the Oklahoma Historical Society include approximately 4,000 titles dating from 1844 to the present, and is the oldest, largest, and most complete collection of Oklahoma newspapers available.

THE OHS RESEARCH CENTER has created two new card decks this year— one celebrating the Route 66 centennial, and another focused on Oklahoma history. Visit okhistory.org/cards to order.

“Thinking Genealogically” Symposium

Genealogy Symposium, Inc. is partnering with the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) to hold a three-day hands-on symposium dedicated to instructing participants in the effective use of 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.

The workshop meets from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day. 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.

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, visit okhistory.org/genealogy-symposium or email dave@thegenealogysymposium.com.

Summer learning program takes a Red River journey with local library systems

The Learning and Engagement team at the Oklahoma History Center, in partnership with the Metropolitan and Pioneer Library Systems, will lead educational sessions in July for the summer learning program focused specifically on the history and significance of the Red River shipwreck of the steamboat Heroine. Drawing inspiration from the actual unearthing of the steamboat Heroine in the Red River, participants will dive into a hands-on STEAM adventure to unravel the secrets hidden within the wreck and discover what these clues reveal about Oklahoma’s past. They will step into the shoes of historians and archaeologists, investigating sites as if they were crime scene detectives, piecing together fragments to build a compelling story. Along the way, participants will explore the basics of research and archaeological techniques, journey through the bustling river highways of the 1830s and 1840s, and witness how the worlds of archaeology and history combine to bring the past to life.

To learn more about the programs and see specific dates, times, and locations, visit metrolibrary.org/summerfun or pioneerlibrarysystem.org/events.

In 1999, the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Institute of Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University were notified that the remnants of a ship had been exposed. By combining efforts and resources, these institutions excavated the site, identified the steamboat, and preserved many parts of the structure.

Did you know that the Oklahoma History Center and the Fort Towson Historic Site are great places to explore exhibits dedicated to the history of the steamboat Heroine? The Oklahoma History Center offers a reproduction of the lower deck, which contained the mechanical and operational components, and the upper deck’s living quarters and a dining area.

New York Yankees pitcher Allie Reynolds (2012.201. B1085.0294, OPUBCO, OHS) and his signed baseball (2024.143.094, OHS).

Allie Reynolds (1917–1994)

Allie Reynolds, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and a native of Bethany, was a prominent pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees from 1942 to 1954.

Despite being a preacher’s son—forbidden to play sports on Sundays—Reynolds became a standout athlete, excelling in football, softball, and track and field. His journey to baseball greatness began in 1937, when Henry Iba noticed him launching a javelin and recruited him for the Oklahoma A&M team (today known as Oklahoma State University), opening the door to his professional career.

Following his early athletic accomplishments, Reynolds pitched in 15 World Series games and became the first American League pitcher to record two no-hitters in a single season. On July 12, 1951, he achieved a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. Later that year, on September 28, he pitched his second no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, securing an 8–0 victory with the pennant at stake.

Reynolds later pursued a career in business and actively promoted Native cultures through community programs and initiatives, including Red Earth, Inc.

Nine centennial farms and ranches recognized

In 1989 the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture established the Oklahoma Centennial Farm & Ranch Program to recognize those families who have continuously occupied their land and carried out farming or ranching operations for at least 100 years. Additionally, the program is designed to help identify historic buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects associated with Oklahoma’s farming and ranching industries.

So far in 2026, several Oklahoma Centennial Farm awards have been presented to farms who qualify, including Circle R Farms Ranch located near Jay, Delaware County; Bratcher Farm, located near Nash, Grant County; the Dunn-Bingaman Farm located near Yale, Payne County; the Frank Terrel Farm located near Vici, Dewey County; Gert Carson’s Farm located near McAlester, Pittsburg County; the Miller/Matz Farm located near Arapaho, Custer County; Two Oaks at the Creek Place located near Gotebo, Washita County; Watson Farms located near Frederick, Tillman County; and the Wayman Family Ranch, located near Goltry, Garfield County.

To qualify for a Centennial Farm or Ranch Award, a property must be occupied by a family member for at least 100 years and currently be operated or occupied by a family member or leased out by a family member. The property must include a minimum of 40 acres and gross annual sales of at least $1,000.

The Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry have sponsored the Centennial Farm & Ranch Awards for 37 years, during which time 1,954 awards have been given statewide. For further information about the program, visit okhistory.org/fr or contact Shea J. Otley at 405-522-4485 or shea. otley@history.ok.gov.

Preservation workshop in Guthrie

Attend a personal artifact care workshop at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Curator Erin Brown will offer expert guidance on preserving antique quilts, clothing, books, and photographs. Participants will learn professional tools and practical techniques for caring for family heirlooms. Most required supplies are readily available. The workshop is limited to 20 participants, with a fee of $40 per person. To register, please contact the museum. Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.

Visit okhistory.org/otm-workshop to secure your tickets today!

The World of Woodward: “Native Lands, Grand Estates, and a City Park” webinar

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 HefleyShepard, focusing on the history of the Woodward Park and Gardens Historic District in Tulsa.

“A History of Kaw Lake and Kaw Nation” lecture with Claire Cox

Join the Oklahoma Territorial Museum on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m. for a lecture on the history of Kaw Lake and the Kaw Nation.

From 1940 to 1982, the US Army Corps of Engineers built more than 200 man-made 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.

IN EARLY SEPTEMBER

We Fought Back: The Black Legal Struggle for Education in Oklahoma

Dr. Sara Doolittle will present an author talk and book signing at the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Wednesday, September 2, at 6 p.m. The discussion will feature We Fought Back: The Black Legal Struggle for Education in Oklahoma (The University of Oklahoma

Rooted Infrastructure: “Caring for Trees that Anchor Our Historic Places”

On Wednesday, September 2, at noon, the State Historic Preservation Office will offer a free webinar in its Rooted Infrastructure series titled “Caring for Trees that Anchor Our Historic Places.” Join Riley Coy, urban forestry coordinator with the Oklahoma Forestry Services, to learn how trees are the only living pieces of our historic sites that actually witnessed the past.

Visit okhistory.org/events to learn more about all upcoming OHS programming.

Oklahoma Historical Society

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Mistletoe Leaves

Kyle Dillingham performing in Kingfisher

On Thursday, July 16, Kyle Dillingham of Okla homa City will entertain the crowd with his vi olin as a part of the Summer Sounds concert series held at The Chisholm in Kingfisher. Dillingham, started playing the violin when he was nine. While still in high school, Kyle was featured twice on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and performed with legends Roy Clark and Hank Thompson. He later went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music performance from Oklahoma City University.

The Battle of Honey Springs Memorial

Dillingham has taken his music to 42 countries earning him the title of “Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador.”

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.

Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m., to honor the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service commemorates the largest of approximately 107 documented Civil War military engagements that took place throughout Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. The engagement took place at the Honey Springs settlement, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, on July 17, 1863, just two weeks after the famous Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Approximately 9,000 Union and Confederate troops, mostly Native and African Americans, were involved in the Battle of Honey Springs. Of those, approximately 200 total casualties were suffered. After a decisive Union victory, the Confederates lost control of Indian Territory north of the Arkansas River. The Union victory also ensured Federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas. Tom Wing from the Drennen-Scott Historic Site will serve as the keynote speaker, addressing the connections between Arkansas and Indian Territory during the Civil War and their influence on the Battle of Honey Springs. OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and Honey Springs Battlefield Site Director Molly Hutchins will also offer remarks. Seth Goff, historical interpreter at Fort Gibson Historic Site, and living historian Jacob Spillars will post the colors. Jim Spillars will play Taps, and the Fort Towson Historic Site crew will present an artillery salute. The event will conclude with the annual meeting of the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield.

For more information regarding the memorial service and Honey Springs Battlefield, call 918-617-7125. You can also email honeysprings@history.ok.gov.