Southern Greetings to one and all. Here you will find a lot of history “bits and bobs”. Many things that will be posted here will also be posted to the Oklahoma Division’s Members Only E-list. However, this is a public blog and I hope that we will have readers, as well a folks commenting, from far and wide. Please spread the word!
Hello world!
Major Renovations at Historic Fort Gibson
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
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
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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
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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.
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Fort Gibson is a National Historic Landmark.
907 N. Garrison
Fort Gibson, OK 74434
(918)478-4088
Information from OHS Email Extra! 4-20-10
Oklahoma Historian Candidate Announced
Though a full listing of Candidate Announcements should be found on the Division Website, this officer recieved a Chapter Endorsement for the following member coming out for the office of Historian in the mail last week:
Thelma Blackburn, Oklahoma Division Recorder of Military Service Awards
Cherokee Chapter #1737 President and Historian
2010 Oklahoma Chautauqua and the Confederacy
This year’s event, while focusing on the aftermath of the great war, is blessed with the presence of both General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and General Robert Edward Lee. Future summer dates include:
• June 8-12, Tulsa
• June 15-19, Enid
• June 22-26, Lawton
For further information, visit the Arts & Humanities Council online.
June is Oklahoma Folkways Month!
From OHC Extra!:
June, 2010 is Oklahoma Folklife Month
On May 7, 2010, Governor Brad Henry proclaimed June as Folklife Month for the Sooner State. This recognition is to encourage Oklahomans to take family trips to local festivals featuring Oklahoma’s folklife heritage. The mission of the Oklahoma Folklife Center is to collect and preserving folklife and traditions of Oklahoma. In addition, the Center encourages communities and organizations to host folklife events and to preserve artifacts representing Oklahoma’s cultural diversity. Partners for this year’s festival include:
Oklahoma Celtic Festival, June, 20 & 21 in Stillwater. Enjoy bagpipes, kilts, dogs, horses, and lots of singers.
American Heritage Music Festival, June 10-12 in Grove. Old-time fiddling and clogging contests. http://www.grandlakefestivals.com/contact.htm
American Heritage Music Festival, June 10-12 in Grove. Old-time fiddling and clogging contests. http://www.grandlakefestivals.com/contact.htm
Juneteenth, June 17 in Tulsa. Celebrate a unique African-American holiday with gospel, R & B, jazz and more.
Red Earth, June 18-20 in OKC. Salute American Indian cultures from all over the continent as they display art, sing, drum, dance, and wear traditional outfits. It is Oklahoma’s special homecoming.
Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival, June 4 & 5 in Seminole. Hear funny, scary and wise stories from all over the Sooner State.
Jazz in June, June 24-26 in Norman. Hear jazz and blues performers recall the past, present and future under the stars in Norman.
Oklahoma Folklife Festival, June 19, 2010 in OKC. Celebrate the cultural heritage of Oklahoma with dance, music and crafts at a free festival.
To learn more about Oklahoma folklife visit it online. For the best in family fun learn about Oklahoma’s rich heritage in folklife. Hear many kinds of traditional music, see and participate in traditional dancing, have an appreciation of traditional crafts, and celebrate Oklahoma’s colorful storytelling. You can find it just a few miles away in your home state.
For more information contact Rodger Harris at (405)522-5207 or by email at rharris@okhistory.org.
Jazz in June, June 24-26 in Norman. Hear jazz and blues performers recall the past, present and future under the stars in Norman.
Oklahoma Folklife Festival, June 19, 2010 in OKC. Celebrate the cultural heritage of Oklahoma with dance, music and crafts at a free festival.
To learn more about Oklahoma folklife visit it online. For the best in family fun learn about Oklahoma’s rich heritage in folklife. Hear many kinds of traditional music, see and participate in traditional dancing, have an appreciation of traditional crafts, and celebrate Oklahoma’s colorful storytelling. You can find it just a few miles away in your home state.
For more information contact Rodger Harris at (405)522-5207 or by email at rharris@okhistory.org.
Wisdom of Words
Consider adding an era-appropriate quotation to your stationary – printed and/or electronic. This may be a conversation starter in more than one way.
Cowskin Prairie to host History Luncheon
#2611, Oklahoma Division UDC is having a special history lunch for those early birds to Oklahoma Division Convention. Fun, fellowship, and Confederate history will be had by all! We are excited to be joined by Oklahoma Native Author, Steve Warren. Though open to anyone who wishes to attend, paid reservations must be made no later than June 1, 2010 for this $16.00 luncheon.
If you are on Facebook, visit the event:
Quilting in Pawnee
Upcoming historical programs with the OHC, as reported in the Mistletoe Leaves that may be of Southern interest include: May 11 & June 6, 2010
Quilt Block of the Month Class – Pawnee Bill Ranch Site, Pawnee
Quilt Blocks in Aline
Upcoming historical programs with the OHC, as reported in the Mistletoe Leaves that may be of Southern interest include: May 8 & June 12, 2010 Quilt Block of the Month Class – Sod House Museum, Aline.
