|
|
Major Renovations at Historic Fort Gibson to begin Soon
By Michael Dean The Oklahoma Historical Society kicked off a major renovation project at historic Fort Gibson with a special ceremony Friday, April 16th.
The continuing deterioration of the fort had been a serious concern for many years. The amount of money required for restoration far exceeded the
Present Day Fort Gibson | maintenance budget available.
"I am pleased that through the efforts of all our supporters we were able to get underway with a major project at Fort Gibson," said Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. "The total project will cost a little more than $1-million."
"Using $200,000 in state funds as a match we have been able to secure $200,000 from Save America's Treasures through the National Park Service, and $645,000 in a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. With this budget, the OHS will be able to offer the public a fully restored historic fort illustrated through the story of transportation in the American Southwest," Blackburn explained.
Established in 1824, Fort Gibson served as a starting point for several military expeditions that explored the west and sought peace between the tribes in the region. It was occupied through most of the Indian Removal period then
Light Horsemen guarding payment | abandoned in 1857. The post was reactivated during the Civil War. The army stayed through the Reconstruction and Indian Wars periods, combating the problem of outlaws and squatters. In 1890, the army abandoned Fort Gibson for the last time.
Visitors to the site can see a reconstruction of the early log fort as well as original buildings from the 1840s through 1870s. Exhibits detailing the history of the fort are located in the Commissary Visitor Center on Garrison Hill. The site also hosts a number of special living history events and programs throughout the year.
Adjutants Office - Jefferson Davis House |
Fort Gibson is a National Historic Landmark.
907 N. Garrison Fort Gibson, OK 74434 (918)478-4088 |
 Children's Television in OklahomaInasmuch Foundation Gallery Exhibit
Oklahoma History Center
For those of you who haven't signed up to receive the Oklahoma Moment daily email, here is a short story about Ho-Ho the Clown that you will find interesting, http://www.okmoments.com/index.php?q=232. Ho-Ho is an Oklahoma television icon that is going into the state Broadcasting Hall of Fame. During his TV career, and afterwards, Ho-Ho brought much joy to many Oklahoma boys and girls, as did other Oklahoma children's television characters such as Foreman Scotty, Uncle Zeb, Basil Lionbone, 3-D Danny, Mr. Zing and Tuffy, and Scoop O'Brien.
At the Oklahoma History Center there is a special exhibit in the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery about Children's Television in Oklahoma. This is one you don't want to miss. It is sure to bring back many good memories!
|
OHS 2010 Annual Meeting
Awards Presentation
Listed below are the recipients of awards being presented at this year's Annual Meeting:
1. Muriel H. Wright Award - Richard J. Lowitt
2. Joseph B. Thoburn Student Historian Award - Andrew Greene
3. William D. Pennington Teacher Award - Jennifer Gourdie
4. Outstanding OHS Support Group - Atoka County Historical Society
5. Outstanding Local Historical Museum in Oklahoma - Three Valley Museum
6. Outstanding Thesis on Oklahoma History - Mark Allen Dolph
7. Outstanding Book on Oklahoma History - Choctaw Crime and Punishment, 1884 - 1907, by Dr. Devon Abbott Mihesuah
The following are the new inductees into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame:
1. Currie Ballard
2. Bob Burke
3. Lt. General Thomas Stafford
4. Lewis Stiles
If you would like to attend the awards presentation, it will be held during the Annual Awards Luncheon on April 30th at 12:15pm. You may call (800)750-4090 or (405)522-5242 to register over the phone. |
Wisdom of the Fathers Student Program was a Success
Oklahoma History Center
On April 1st, over 700 students came to the Oklahoma History Center to experience the wit, wisdom and insights of George Washington, Thomas  Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The students really enjoyed the program and, at times, seemed to forget that the presidents weren't the "real thing."
The Oklahoma History Center offers many interesting educational programs for students. Keep your eye on the education page of the website and be sure to bring your students to the next educational event. |
|
|
|
|
|
Oklahoma Historical Society
800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK
73105
Shelly Crynes, Editor
(405)522-0317 |
| Join Now
One year subscription to The Chronicles of Oklahoma
One year subscription to the newsletter, Mistletoe Leaves
Free admission to OHS Sites and Museums
For a full listing of benefits, download the brochure.
Individual memberships start at just $35. | |
Explore a Society historic site or museum:
5/1 Rural Heritage Festival, 10am,
(580)336-2405
4/24 Living History on the Chisholm Trail,
(405)375-5176
4/1 - 4/30 Annual Quilt Exhibit , (918)885-2374
5/1 Beginning Genealogy Workshop, 10am, (918)456-2751
6/4 Lawn Social, 12pm, (918)456-2751
5/15 Civil War Life Noncombatant Program, (918)473-5572
4/24 Dutch Oven Cooking 1pm-5pm, (405)522-5248
5/1 Heirloom Care Class, "Furniture," 10am-12pm,
(405)522-0785
5/15 3rd Annual Call to Arms Military Life Program, (405)522-0785
6/2-7/28 Okietales Children's Reading and Storytelling Time,
(405)522-0785
4/22 Homemade Perfumes & Oils Workshop, 6:30pm, (918)762-2513
6/8 Quilt Block of the Month Class, 6:30pm, (918)762-2513
6/12 Pawnee Bill's Original Wild West Show Series, 7:30pm, (918)762-2513
4/25 Second Annual Heart-2-Heart Tea Party, (580)765-6108
4/30 Cherokee Cultural Day, 10am, (918)775-2413
5/29 Flint-Knapping/ Primitive Knife Exhibit (918)775-2413
5/7 Sod House Days, (580)463-2441
5/8 32nd Annual Birthday Bash and 5th Annual Archaeology Day, (918)962-2062
|
On the importance of history...
"We cannot escape history." Abraham Lincoln in Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862 |
|
|
