Mistletoe Leaves, March/April 2026, Vol. 57, No. 2

Mistletoe Leaves

Milestones in Oklahoma History

Oklahoma History Center | May 2

Symposium Schedule

9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit symposium exhibitors

9:30 a.m. Networking, coffee, and donuts

10 a.m. Meeting of the OHS Membership, Chesapeake Event Center

10:15 a.m. Organizational Meeting of the OHS Board of Directors, Chesapeake Event Center

10:45–11:30 a.m. Book signing, Devon Great Hall

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch (Food trucks on premises)

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Our keynote speaker, the Honorable Glenn English Jr., is the retired CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and a former 10term US representative from Oklahoma’s sixth district.

English will speak about his two decades as a US representative from Oklahoma and his leadership of the lobbying arm of America’s 900+ electric cooperatives. He will highlight the historical conditions that led to the rise and success of the cooperative business model.

12:45–1:30 p.m.

“Creating Space: Real and Imagined Oklahoma Black Communities,” Dr. Kalenda Eaton, associate dean and professor, The Clara Luper Department of African and African American Studies, University of Oklahoma (OU), and director of Oklahoma Research for the Black Homesteader Project; Anthony Cherry, PhD student, Oklahoma State University (OSU); Ben Folger, PhD candidate, OU; Elizabeth Thomas, archives specialist, OSU

“Chào to Main Street: The Effort to Resettle Vietnamese Refugees in Western Oklahoma,” Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean, School of Global Studies and Partnerships, and professor, School of Media and Strategic Communication, OSU

“Native Women, the Dawes Act, and Resilience: A Milestone in Oklahoma History,” Brenda Lakhani, PhD candidate, University of Texas at Dallas, and research assistant for American Yawp, an Open US History Lab project

1:45–2:30 p.m.

“Myths and Realities of the Klan in Oklahoma, One Century Later,” Dr. Russell Cobb, professor, Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Alberta

“Testing Equality: Oklahoma’s Legal Landscape and the Evolution of the 14th Amendment,” Dr. Robin C. Henry, associate professor, Department of History, and director, Women’s Ethnicity and Intersectional Studies Program, Wichita State University

“A City Built By and On Oil: The Remorseless March of the Drills in Depression-Era Oklahoma City,” Dr. Robert Lifset, associate professor of history, Department of History, OU

“Milestones in Oklahoma Indigenous History: From the Civil War in Indian Territory to the State of Sequoyah,” Dr. Michelle M. Martin, faculty associate, Arizona State University and adjunct professor at Mesa Community College; Dr. Donald L. Fixico, regents’ and distinguished foundation professor of history, School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies, Arizona State University; Dr. Natalie Panther, associate professor of history, Department of History and Geography, University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)

2:45–3:30 p.m.

Student Voice: Underground Newspapers at Central State College,” Dr. James P. Gregory Jr., director, William A. Brookshire Louisiana State University Military Museum

“Myths, Mysteries, and Milestones in the Lives of Oklahoma Women,” Dr. Sunu Kodumthara, professor of history, Southwestern Oklahoma State University; Dr. Matthew Pearce, state historian, Oklahoma Historical Society; Dr. Sarah Janda, professor of history, Cameron University

“From the Indian Territory to Indian Country: McGirt v. Oklahoma, US (2020),” Robert J. Miller, professor of law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University and chief justice for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Court of Appeals

3:45–4:30 p.m.

“Borderlands, Assimilation, and a Red River Rivalry: The Legacy of Polonia in Harrah, Oklahoma,” Benjamin Bax, PhD candidate, Swansea at UCO

“Pioneers of Public Health: The Oklahoma Territory Pharmacists,” Dr. Tracy Freudenthaler, administrator, Oklahoma Public Health Association; Sandi Colby, educational truck coordinator, Oklahoma History Center Museum and vice-president, Oklahoma Pharmacy Heritage Foundation

“A Milestone for the Peyote Road: The 1918 Chartering of the Native American Church of Oklahoma and its Legacy for Native Nations Today,” Gordon L. Yellowman Sr., Cheyenne peace chief and tribal historian of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes; Christianna Stavroudis, lecturer, Department of Multilingual Communication and Translation, Cologne University of Applied Sciences

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 federally-assisted 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

Since I began my tenure at the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) a little over five years ago, 2026 has been circled on my calendar. When I started at OHS in 2021, I became the agency’s representative on the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. In 2023, I joined Oklahoma Department of Transportation director Tim Gatz and author Michael Wallis on the US Route 66 Centennial Commission. Now that 2026 is finally here, the State of Oklahoma and the OHS will greet the projected seven million people expected to travel along a portion of the Mother Road this year with unique cultural, entertainment, and learning experiences, thanks to our years of planning.

The importance of Route 66 to Oklahoma cannot be overstated. It was an Oklahoman, Cyrus Avery, who advocated for the new federal highway to come through our state. In fact, over 400 miles of the road traverse its varied terrain from east to west. Route 66 was an economic boon to the many small towns in its path after it was plotted. Weary travelers found restaurants, hotels, shopping, and places to fill up the tank in towns big and small.

During the lean years of the Great Depression, the road served as a lifeline to those who had run out of luck and sought their survival in sunny California. After World War II, it served as the highway home for countless service members. The interstates would eventually supplant the Will Rogers Highway for people who prioritized speed

over authenticity. Nevertheless, thanks to advocates like Arizona’s Angel Delgadillo and our own Michael Wallis, the heartbeat of Route 66 was saved, and it continues to thrive today.

The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission has several great events planned this year to celebrate the Main Street of America. On May 30, a birthday party will be held in Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park. On the same day, Tulsa will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest car parade. In July, MuralFest will be held along the route to highlight its many great works of art and encourage municipalities to continue investing in beautifying their stretches of the highway with artwork. Finally, on November 11, the actual one-hundredth birthday of Route 66, another birthday extravaganza will take place in Tulsa.

The OHS is getting in on the Route 66 fun, too! Each episode of A Very OK Podcast will be about a story connected to the historic highway. Additionally, on May 23, we will open our new exhibit about the Mother Road at the Oklahoma History Center. This exhibit will explore the unique history of the road as it traverses through the communities in its path. We have also been working on a new documentary film, which will be completed in May. As if all of that were not enough, in July, we will be hosting the inductions into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton.

There has never been a better time to “get your kicks on Route 66!” I hope you will be a part of the many wonderful things happening on America’s Main Street throughout the year. For more information, be sure to visit our website at okhistory.org and the official Oklahoma Route 66 website at okroute66.com.

The first telephone was invented 150 years ago

1910 promotional button (08688.080, OHS).

Alexander Graham Bell was credited with inventing the telephone in 1876, which celebrates its 150th year anniversary on March 10, 2026.

After Bell’s invention the telephone quickly found its way westward. In what later became Oklahoma, the US Army first strung a telephone line between Fort Reno and Darlington, Indian Territory.

Progress continued, with the first commercial telephone lines arriving in 1886 between Tahlequah, Fort Gibson, and as far as Muskogee, where Turner’s hardware store served as an early headquarters for communications. In Tahlequah, the Stapler and Sons Hardware Store hosted the telephone line for that community. By 1893, Guthrie and Oklahoma City had installed lines, and developed small exchanges of communication. Consequently, by the time of statehood, Oklahoma had 715 telephone systems.

Clinton “mom-and-pop” sign to be restored in time for Route 66 centennial celebrations

The Glancy Motor Hotel sign, once a modern landmark for Route 66 travelers, will gain a new life thanks to an over $70,000 grant from the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program. The City of Clinton, the Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, and the Oklahoma Historical Society have established a partnership to restore the sign, with the intention of returning it to its former glory for travelers on the 100-yearold roadway as it passes through Clinton. Chester and Gladys Glancy first opened the Glancy Courts in Clinton in 1939, offering rooms to travelers for $2 per day. As business grew, they expanded to 28 rooms before setting their sights on an even larger venture. In 1950, they built and opened the horseshoe-shaped Glancy Motel (seen above), complete with storm shelters and management living quarters. In 1962, to offer more comfort and convenience to customers, they continued to improve their hotel by offering additional amenities, in-

cluding a large, modern swimming pool and a new, larger neon sign to attract visitors.

The large, colorful sign, which has withstood six decades of weather, now needs significant repairs. After restoration, it will be, as Chester Glancy once described his hotel, “as modern as tomorrow.”

The sign will be installed at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, serving as a lasting reminder of the “mom-and-pop” businesses that lined Route 66.

Additionally, the Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum plan to install a new monument base and commemorative plaque so today’s tourists will understand its significance to the community and the heydays of travel along the popular road.

The sign is all that remains of the Glancy Motor Hotel. Its restoration will ensure that its history will inspire future generations of travelers along Route 66 in western Oklahoma.

WRMM Route 66 exhibit

A dynamic new exhibit on US Route 66, now open at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, uses vibrant imagery, rare artifacts, and authentic memorabilia to immerse visitors in the highway’s unique history and cultural legacy.

The exhibit explores the various dedications of the highway in memory of Will Rogers from the 1930s to the 1950s and discusses the Will Rogers Highway in pop culture, from a cameo appearance in The Grapes of Wrath to Woody Guthrie’s folk music.

The installation also features the history of how Route 66 became a lifeline for “Okies” heading to California during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Later, the highway served as a main route for the movement of soldiers and civilians during World War II. In the 1930s, people wanted to rename the highway for Will Rogers who enjoyed national fame. After he died in 1935, efforts to honor him grew, and later that year the US Highway Association designated Route 66 as “Will Rogers Highway.”

Kumback Centennial

On Friday, May 8, the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School (CSM) will open its doors to a new exhibit serving up treasures from the Kumback Lunch, Perry’s beloved hometown diner. Thanks to owner Marilee Macias, these keepsakes will invite visitors to explore the eatery’s rich history.

Sky Fighter still in action

Visitors to the Oklahoma History Center will notice a few changes to the Vose Atrium Gallery. The Taking Flight exhibit has come down, and the Gaylord Gallery is being staged for a special Route 66-themed exhibit in May.

The popular Sky Fighter ride, which was part of the aviation exhibit, has moved. Little ones can still climb aboard at its new location next to the hot air balloon mural.

When the Kumback Lunch first opened its doors in 1926, it welcomed guests with only six barstools, a counter, and a humble “EAT” sign. Today, it proudly claims to be one of Oklahoma’s oldest continuously operated restaurants, a downtown Perry landmark famous for its timeless comfort food and irresistible desserts.

Through the decades, the Kumback Lunch has welcomed everyone from celebrities and dignitaries to the infamous outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd. Remarkably, it has had just three owners over the years, preserving its unique spirit.

The CSM exhibit joins a week of festivities celebrating the Kumback Lunch from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Guests can savor daily specials inspired by the original menus, enjoy a lively concert and street dance on April 25, and witness a centennial ceremony with honored guests on May 1. The celebration continues with the CSM exhibit on May 8.

OHS Calendar of Events

March

1 #ExploreOHS Travel Contest begins, Oklahoma Historical Society

2–3 History Alive: President Thomas Jefferson and America250, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

April

3 Cherokee Strip Historical Society Annual Meeting and Rough Riders program, Perry Event Center, Perry

6 Patsy Cline - A Tribute to the Queen of Country, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

5 Living History Education Day, Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson

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

9 Bob Wills Day at the Capitol, Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City

10 2026 People with Disabilities Awareness Day, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

16–20 Spring Break at the Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

1 Hammered Aluminum Ware exhibit opens, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy

2 20th Anniversary - Beck Design Architectural Tour, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

4 Pawnee Bill Easter Egg Hunt, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee

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

4 Easter Egg Hunt, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

16–20 Spring Break Activities, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

18 Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

19 Lunch and Learn: “The History We Know vs. The History They See: Editing Wikipedia for Women’s Stories” with Brandi Burns webinar, State Historic Preservation Office

19 Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

20 Mid-Afternoon Frolic Talent Show, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

21 Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

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

23 Homeschool Day at WRMM, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

27 Movie Night featuring Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

28 Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering, The Chisholm, Kingfisher

28 Honey Springs, Oklahoma: Historical Archaeology of a Civil War Battlefield with William Lees, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah

31 #ExploreOHS Travel Contest ends, Oklahoma Historical Society

5 Sunrise Service and Friends of Pawnee Bill Ranch Easter Breakfast fundraiser, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee

7 Lunch and Learn: “21 Crossing and Ranch” with Michael Mayes and Kristina Wyckoff webinar, State Historic Preservation Office

9 OETA’s Back in Time: Geronimo screening and panel, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

10 Liquid History: “Off the Vine,” Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

11 395th Army Reserve Band - America250 Celebration performance, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

11 Artillery Demonstration with the 1st Arkansas Mountain Artillery, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah

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

16 Historic Preservation Review Committee Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

18 Big Medicine: York Outdoors screening and panel discussion, America250 programming, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

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

18 “Something to Grow About”: Earth Day Activities, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee

12th Beethoven Sonata Cycle Concert with Hyunsoon Whang, Museum of the Western Prairie, Altus

24 - Movie Night featuring The Princess Bride (1987), Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore

25 - Spring on the Farm, Hunter’s Home, Park Hill

Kilgen Theatre Organ performance celebrating 90 years with Ken Double, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

28 Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission Meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

30 Hammered Aluminum Ware exhibit closes, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy

200-year-old letters join collection at Fort Gibson

This winter, the Fort Gibson Historic Site buzzed with activity as staff undertook the yearly inventory and maintenance work.

One project has been especially exciting for staff: the site has acquired a collection of historic letters from the Bennington Museum in Vermont, offering new insights into its over 200-year history.

Written by two brothers, these letters tell the story of one stationed at Fort Gibson and Orlando McClain, who lived in New York. The correspondence between Galen B. McClain, stationed at the fort, and his brother Orlando was written from 1837 to 1839. While at Fort Gibson, Galen wrote to Orlando.

Processing the letters has only just begun for Fort Gibson staff. Currently, they are creating a care plan and working to transcribe the messages, which hold valuable information about the early days of the frontier outpost.

Episodes added to YouTube

Listen to A Very OK Podcast on the OHS YouTube channel! Hear new episodes of the popular podcast as they’re released each month. This year, every episode will feature a topic relating to Route 66. All past episodes of the podcast will eventually be added to the channel once they are transcribed. Subscribe to the OHS YouTube channel today so you never miss an episode!

Become a listener of A Very OK Podcast to hear from guest historians, authors, leaders, and experts who provide a fresh take on the history of Oklahoma with each episode. OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and former Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn explore a variety of fascinating stories. Start listening now and join the conversation!

Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering

Come to The Chisholm in Kingfisher on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day filled with cowboy fun at the annual chuck wagon gathering. At this family-friendly event, drop in to see a variety of working chuck wagons from across the region as they prepare some of their favorite dishes. Live music, cooking demonstrations with food samples, gunfights, Wild West Show performers, Medicine Man shows, and more!

Activities are free, thanks in part to our program sponsors!

Please call The Chisholm at 405375-5176 for more information. Also, visit thechisholm.org for parking information, schedules, and more.

America250 concert performance featuring the 395th Army Band

On Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 395th Army Band will be performing at the Oklahoma History Center Museum. They will be celebrating with a special America250 celebration performance, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy a high-energy concert with an “America at 250” theme, featuring patriotic favorites and modern selections that honor the spirit, service, and stories of our nation. This powerful performance brings together military tradition, exceptional musicianship, and community pride for an experience that’s meaningful, moving, and fun for all ages. Be part of a milestone celebration you won’t want to miss! The performance is open to the public at no charge. For additional information, please call 405-522-0765.

On Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., as part of the America250 programming, the Oklahoma History Center Museum will host a special screening of Big Medicine: York Outdoors. This documentary reclaims and elevates the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, while following a group of Black outdoor leaders on a four-day expedition through Montana’s Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Their journey retraces the path of the original Corps of Discovery (1804–1806) while honoring York’s legacy and highlighting the healing, empowerment, and joy that the natural world can offer. The screening will be followed by a conversation including environmental educators and historians. Call 405-522-0765 for more information.

Legacy Capital Financing projects begin across the state

It’s an exciting time in the Museums and Historic Sites Division as Legacy Capital Financing projects kicked off late last year. Over the next few years, major improvements will be seen at every OHS site. Improved parking, new visitor centers, and restoration of our incredible historic structures are just a few of the projects the agency is undertaking.

In 2025, OHS partnered with ODOT to make improvements at two sites: the Sod House Museum and Fort Supply Historic Site. Sod House received (for the first time) a new paved parking lot with accessible sidewalks to the museum. The roads at Fort Supply have been cleaned and received a fresh coat of sealant. An armor coat will be applied this spring. Also at Sod House, new split-rail fencing was installed on the north and east sides of the property. The agency also completed roofing projects at the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry and The Chisholm in Kingfisher. New bathrooms and other facility upgrades have taken place at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, with more improvements on the way.

While not every museum and historic site will see improvements this year, many will see significant work in 2026. A few projects you will see in the coming months:

• Construction has begun on the historic barracks at Fort Gibson Historic Site. This includes major exterior and interior restoration. Later this spring, construction will begin on the Adjutant’s building.

• The Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion projects will start late spring as well. The historic home in Heritage Hills will receive new windows, have its roof and foundation restored, and have its porches leveled and re-poured. For the first time in decades, restoration to the historic interior will take place. The canvas walls will be cleaned, the ceilings repaired, and the original light fixtures rewired and restored.

• Several projects will take place at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, including restoration of the historic mansion on Blue Hawk Peak. New restrooms will be constructed throughout the site, and the museum will feature an expanded museum store and refreshed gallery space. The picnic pavilion will receive new lighting and an outdoor kitchen.

• The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library will both receive new roofs, and the museum will have renovated restrooms.

• Around mid-year, construction will begin on a new plaza at the Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue. The museum will also have a new roof and new windows. OHS is working with the Oklahoma Arts Council for a new sculpture to be placed in the newly constructed plaza.

And this is just the beginning! Meetings continue regarding work at all the agency’s sites, and plans are being finalized for large projects at Hunter’s Home, the Museum of the Western Prairie, and the Fort Towson Historic Site. Closures will be necessary at some of the sites. Be sure and check okhistory.org and social media for construction updates and closures.

Find your destination and start exploring

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The NRHP is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past. Listing in the NRHP is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection, and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates, and nominates properties for this special designation.

Okmulgee County

The First Presbyterian Church of Henryetta, Oklahoma, is listed in the NRHP for its Gothic Revival architecture. It is an excellent example of a small early 20th century church designed with an auditorium plan. Originally built in 1916; designed by Oklahoma City architect J. O. Parr, the auditorium plan was popular among Protestant denominations for its organization of pews designed to improve acoustics and sight lines for the congregants. Auditorium plans were a distinctive break from the centuries of church design based on basilicas where congregants often were seated at great distances from priests, unable to hear mass.

#ExploreOHS Travel Contest

Oklahoma County

Oklahoma City’s National Foundation Life Center, known today as the Landmark Towers, is located along Lake Hefner Parkway and Northwest Expressway. Built between 1967 and 1971, and designed by architectural firm Alan Lower & Associates, the National Foundation Life Center is listed in the NRHP for its significance in community planning and development as part of the post-World War II suburban commercial development trend, and its architectural significance as an excellent example of the New Formalism subtype of the Modern Movement.

SPANN HOUSE

Cleveland County

Located between the city of Norman and Lake Thunderbird in Cleveland County, the Spann House, AKA Acorn Hill, is listed in the NRHP for its Mid-Century Modern architectural style, which borrows from iconic architects Bruce Goff and his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright. Built between 1959 and 1960, and designed by Goff student Robert L. Thomas, the Spann House is an excellent local example of modern American architecture that has withstood the test of time while holding its historical integrity.

UPCOMING WEBINARS | State Historic Preservation Office

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) offers a variety of free webinars throughout the year. Visit okhistory.org/shpowebinars to register. Each webinar is limited to the first 100 registrants. Note: If you have a disability and need an accommodation, call 405-521-6249 at least two (2) days before the event.

The Travel Contest is open to the public, and all entries must be submitted on social media using the #ExploreOHS hashtag. Whoever visits the most OHS sites (March 1–31, 2026) will win a prize pack of OHS swag and your choice of:

• Option 1 – Name a baby bison this spring at Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum

• Option 2 – Behind-the-scenes tour of OKPOP in Tulsa (for up to 6 people)

For the complete #ExploreOHS contest rules and eligibility requirements, please visit okhistory.org/exploreohs.

LUNCH AND LEARN: “THE HISTORY WE KNOW VS. THE HISTORY THEY SEE: EDITING WIKIPEDIA FOR WOMEN’S STORIES”

The SHPO will host a free Lunch and Learn webinar on Thursday, March 19, from noon to 1:15 p.m., exploring the current gender gap on Wikipedia. This webinar, guided by Brandi Burns, will explore the representation of women’s history on Wikipedia, summarize Wikipedia’s mission, and explore how Wikipedia editors build a consensus-based system. She will also share a demonstration of how Wikipedia edits are made.

LUNCH

AND LEARN: “21

CROSSING AND RANCH”

The SHPO will hold a free Lunch and Learn webinar about the 21 Crossing and Ranch on Tuesday, April 7, from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Established in 1878 by Kansas cattle baron David Greever, the 21 Ranch comprised roughly 200,000 acres in Woods and Major counties. The history of the original ranch boundaries encompasses everything from rugged outlaws and Native American tribal cairns to Nathan Boone’s 1843 dragoon expedition. It provided the only viable, safe passage across the treacherous and unpredictable Cimarron River. SHPO’s Michael Mayes and Kristina Wyckoff will discuss their NRHP nomination for the 21 Crossing and Ranch.

OHS Awards Banquet

On Thursday, March 19, the Oklahoma Historical Society will host its annual Awards Banquet at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Each year, the Awards Banquet brings together historians, educators and civic leaders to honor individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on our understanding of Oklahoma history.

Among the awards presented, four individuals will be inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame for their distinguished contributions to Oklahoma history. Recipients are celebrated for their lifelong dedication and excellence in preserving, interpreting, and sharing the state’s story. This year, the Oklahoma Historical Society is honored to induct Donald L. Fixico, David W. Levy (posthumously), Linda D. Wilson, and Timothy A. Zwink with this lifetime achievement award.

The event will also celebrate the efforts of outstanding educators, students, and individuals. This includes recognizing Caleb Gayle, author of Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State, with the 2025 E. E. Dale Award for writing the outstanding book on Oklahoma history.

This event is held at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. Tickets are available through March 9 by visiting okhistory.org/tickets.

Mistletoe Leaves now on The Gateway

Back issues of the Mistletoe Leaves newsletters are being added to The Gateway of Oklahoma History.

Beginning at the same time as the founding of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), the then-Territorial, hand-set newsletter was initially published between 1893 and 1895 as a precursor to Historia, which in turn was a precursor to The Chronicles of Oklahoma

The first issue of the four-page leaflet was published in Kingfisher, featuring railroad timetables, poems, and local news items. It was edited by W. P. Campbell and served as a platform for advertising the need for items of historical interest, such as collections of newspapers, periodicals, and other “relics and matters of curious or historical interest,” as well as biographies and photographs of prominent citizens. Issues in this era stated, “50 cents should be sent as an evidence of good faith, and as a contribution to the historical society.”

Mistletoe Leaves was reinstated as a monthly newsletter in 1973, as the OHS celebrated its 80th anniversary. The 1973 publication nameplate carried an ex planation, stating it had been “published irregularly since 1893.” The newsletter still publicizes the society, informs membership, and promotes Oklahoma’s state and local history on a bimonthly basis. To access the collection, visit okhistory.org/mlc.

Meet Thomas Jefferson

To mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Colonial Williamsburg’s Thomas Jefferson interpreter Kurt Smith will perform at the Oklahoma History Center on Monday, March 2, and again on Tuesday, March 3, both at 6 p.m.

Portraying Jefferson is Kurt Smith, a dynamic storyteller and historian. Known for his in-depth knowledge of early American history, Smith brings the founding era to life. Thomas Jefferson—author of the Declaration of Independence—also served as minister to France and was the first US Secretary of State under President Washington. In addition, he was the second elected governor of Virginia and became the third president of the United States.

As part of the America250 programming, Smith will also visit schools in the state to teach students about the former president, in addition to his performances at the Oklahoma History Center. Following these programs, facilitated discussions will encourage participants to consider the importance of the past for civic vitality in the modern age.

This national program is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond , a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners.

This program is funded in part by Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH.

Your Vote, Your History

The Oklahoma Historical Society is guided by a 25-member Board of Directors, with 13 elected by OHS members and 12 appointed by the governor. These board members play a pivotal role in carrying out the OHS mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article VII, Section 4, of the Bylaws of the Oklahoma Historical Society, ballots are mailed to all members of the OHS. The names listed on the ballot have been placed in nomination for election to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The 2026 election includes District 5 and District 6.

Ballots are due by noon on Wednesday, April 22. Biographies of all candidates can be found at okhistory. org/board-election. Casting your ballot is your opportunity to influence the leadership that shapes the preservation of our state’s heritage. For more information contact Tory Tedder-Loffland at 405-522-0843 or tory.tedderloffland@history.ok.gov.

Kilgen Theatre Organ celebrates 90 years

Before its restoration and move to the Oklahoma History Center, the Kilgen Theatre Organ began its life in St. Louis, where it was manufactured. The Kilgen Opus 5281 is a four-manual, 14-rank, theatre-style pipe organ and remains a remarkable example of early 20th-century craftsmanship and sound.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Kilgen Theatre Organ, a milestone celebrating decades of music, history, and cultural significance.

To commemorate this occasion, a special “Happy Birthday, Kilgen” performance will be held featuring returning artist Ken Double, who will bring the organ’s rich and dynamic voice to life.

The performance will take place on Monday, April 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Devon Great Hall at the Oklahoma History Center. This is a free performance, and advanced registration will be required.

Follow the Oklahoma History Center Museum on Facebook or see a listing of events on the OHS website calendar at okhistory. org/calendar. Call 405-522-0765 for more information.

Oklahoma Historical Society

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917

PERIODICALS

Mistletoe Leaves

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 57, No. 2 March/April 2026

Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program announces 2026 awardees

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) proudly announces the latest recipients of its Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grants, continuing a statewide commitment to preserving and sharing local history. This year, 30 organizations will receive more than $500,000 in combined funding to support projects that strengthen how Oklahoma’s history is cared for and shared.

Funded projects span collections care, exhibit development, educational programming, and strategic planning. Recipients include historical societies, museums, libraries, and educational institutions working to preserve meaningful pieces of their community’s past and make them more accessible to the public.

Historian William Lees presentation at Honey Springs

On Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m., historian and author William Lees will deliver a presentation at the Honey Springs Battlefield Visitor Center regarding archaeological surveys conducted at the Honey Springs Battlefield. He will also discuss his book, Honey Springs, Oklahoma: Historical Archaeology of a Civil War Battlefield (2025). This program is open to the public at no cost.

The Battle of Honey Springs, which occurred on July 17, 1863, is recognized by historians for its distinctive composition of Black, Native American, and white combatants, as well as its status as the most significant Civil War battle in Indian Territory. This engagement represented a pivotal moment in Civil War history, shaping subsequent military and cultural developments in the region. Honey Springs, Oklahoma: Historical Archaeology of a Civil War Battlefield is the first scholarly work dedicated exclusively to this event. The book is distinguished by its integration of three primary sources of evidence: written historical accounts, scientific archaeological data, and military terrain analysis. This multidisciplinary approach provides a platform for perspectives that have often been overlooked, restoring the voices of Native American and Black participants of the Battle of Honey Springs.

William Lees is the retired executive director of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. He formerly led the historic sites division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is a frequent contributor to scholarly journals.

OHS sets aside annual funds to assist organizations that collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma history. Program objectives include improving collections care, developing high quality exhibits, expanding local history programs, and fostering partnerships between museum and archival professionals and local staff and volunteers to build skills in preservation and education.

Since 2020, this program has funded 200 projects totaling $2.47 million in grant awards, helping communities safeguard historical materials and expand public access to Oklahoma’s rich and diverse past. Learn more at okhistory.org/grants.

This year’s grantees include: Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society; Bristow Historical Society and Train Depot Museum; Cherokee Strip Historical Society; Chisholm Trail Museum Inc.; Chouteau Public Library; Eastern Oklahoma Library System; Edmond Historical Society and Museum; The Edwards Store, Inc.; Five Civilized Tribes Museum; Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation; The Juice Radio Show; Lindsay Community Historical Society; Michael N. Wisby, Sr. Foundation - Dr. W. L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate; Modoc Nation - Culture and Education Department; The Museum Broken Arrow; Northeastern State University Foundation; Okfuskee County Historical Society; Oklahoma Chapter, Butterfield National Historic Trail Association; Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society; Ottawa County Historical Society; Plains Indians and Pioneers Historical Foundation; Project 2020 Foundation; Rogers County Historical Society, Inc.; Seminole Nation Museum; Southwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation, Inc.; Stephens County Historical Society and Museum; Stillwater Public Library; Three Rivers Museum of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Tulsa Foundation for Architecture; and the William Fremont Harn Gardens Inc.