September 10, 2015

This Weekend! - Septemberfest

Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Oklahoma History Center | Oklahoma City, OK

Friends of the Mansion and the Oklahoma History Center will share the excitement of hosting the 19th annual Septemberfest, a free fall festival that is open to the public and features well over 60 events and demonstrations. This celebration will take place on September 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The History Center will be the primary location for activities and tours of the first floor of the Governor's Mansion also will be offered.

Septemberfest has grown to attract more than 20,000 attendees since it was initiated by Governor Frank Keating and the Friends of the Mansion, Inc., in 1997. The original intent was to share "Oklahoma's House" with Oklahoma's citizens. Since its inception, Septemberfest has drawn people from all over the world and it continues to grow in popularity. "This is an opportunity to showcase Oklahoma's wonderful history and culture and things that make Oklahoma unique,"

said Governor Fallin.

This year's theme is "Oklahoma Wild," with a number of demonstrations and exhibits featuring animals that can be seen in Oklahoma, including one of our national symbols, the bald eagle. Free admission will be offered to the Oklahoma History Center that will allow entrance to all of the galleries and activities inside the building. Various agencies also will be represented on the grounds such as the Departments of Agriculture, Education and Homeland Security. Strolling musicians, living historians, free food and treats, food trucks, hands-on crafts and the hourly "boom" of the cannon are just a few of the offerings to the public this year.

Women of the Wild West Shows Lecture

Saturday, September 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pioneer Woman Museum | Ponca City, OK

Visit the Pioneer Woman Museum and join us as we discuss women in the Wild West shows with guest lecturers Tracey Hanshew and Alyce Vigil.

Tracey Hanshew is a Ph.D. Candidate of History at Oklahoma State University. Her area of study focuses on women in the American West. "Contracts to Competition: Early Cowgirls in the Public Arena" looks at the transition cowgirls made from Wild West shows to professional careers in rodeo and why women's careers in rodeo were limited primarily to Anglo-American cowgirls.

Alyce Vigil is a graduate student at Oklahoma State University where she studies the American West. "Cowgirls of Color" explores the experiences of female American Indian and Mexican Wild West show performers. Despite the show's intended message of conquest, Cowgirls of Color used the Wild West shows for their own purposes, which were often quite different from those of Euro-American cowgirls. For more information contact 580-765-6108.

Lantern Tours at the Humphrey Heritage Village

Friday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center | Enid, OK

After dark, visitors to Humphrey Heritage Village will travel back to the early days after the Land Run and experience the lives of the 1893 homesteaders. Lantern led tours through the historic buildings and campsites will explore daily life, its hardships and its rewards. Following the lantern led tour, guests will enjoy historical entertainment and refreshments.

Throughout the historic buildings, guests will encounter schoolmarms, Land Office agents, fine Victorian ladies, homestead families and many others along their lantern led tour.

Advance Tickets Only
$10 per person
Tours begin at 7 p.m.
Contact 580-237-1907 for more information.