History

This Giving Tuesday, give back to Oklahoma history by helping Preservation Oklahoma identify our state’s threatened historic resources.

On Nov. 16, 1907, President Roosevelt signed legislation that granted statehood to Oklahoma, making it the 46th state to join the union.

The U.S. Postal Service recently issued WW1 Forever stamps commemorating the 100^th anniversary of four million American families sending sons and daughters to serve in the Great War. Yes, women; WW1 was the first time women joined the U.S. armed forces.

Are you curious to know how accurate the “Jurassic Park” series is? Paleontologist Kyle Davies from the Sam Noble Museum debunks the “Jurassic Park” series just in time for the premiere of “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.”

Oklahomans have a long history of service to our nation. In every part of the globe, during times of peace and war, they have proudly defended our freedom and the freedom of those who cannot defend themselves. One Oklahoma City native, Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Third Class Brandon Wells, is currently aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold.

The United States is often referred to as a melting pot. Our nation was built by immigrants who came to this land for opportunity and a better life. Today, this still holds true as immigrants continue to impact our country politically, economically and socially.

The Sam Noble Museum tells a remarkable story in its exciting new national traveling exhibit, “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived,” which is on display from May 26 through Jan. 6.

The “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” exhibition will be on display from June 10 – August 19 at the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. Visitors will discover nearly three dozen artifacts from the time of King Hezekiah and unveil key Assyrian history.

With well over 100 feature films and television shows from all corners of the state, Oklahoma is no stranger to the silver screen. We all know about the smash hit “I Can Only Imagine,” which earned nearly $100 million at the box office, but did you know that other movies like 1988 Oscar winner “Rain Man” were filmed in the state?

American flags will fly and patriotism will shine Memorial Day weekend. Celebrate the heroes who have died fighting for American freedom by visiting these events.

Memorial Day is the time our country recognizes the ultimate sacrifice of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Originally, following the Civil War, families of fallen soldiers would commemorate the day by decorating graves and having picnic-style gatherings afterward.

The National Archives has launched a Citizen Archivist program, enlisting virtual volunteers to improve the accessibility of its records.

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame is moving from its historic location on Lincoln Boulevard to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Ever wonder why beer is dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day? The tradition began in the early 1900s when people got sick to their stomachs from beer that wasn’t properly fermented. They called it “green beer.”

St. Patrick is remembered by many on St. Patrick’s Day in March, but few know about the historic, architectural gem that sits on Portland Avenue and 23rd Street.

Celebrated on March 17 in observance of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is full of shamrocks, leprechauns and green galore.

In 1962, on the corner of East 3rd Street and South Wheeling Avenue, a paint store opened in Tulsa. Fifty-six years later, Anchor Paint, known as “Tulsa’s paint store,” has expanded and is making anywhere from 600,000-800,000 gallons of paint annually for residential, commercial and industrial clients across the nation.

Imagine flying over D.C., seeing where biblical texts and imagery embellish landmarks, stepping into the world of Jesus’ Nazareth or crossing the parted Red Sea.

Today we remember Americans who gave their all for our country at Pearl Harbor and honor the service of 558,000 WWII veterans who are still with us.

“December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy …”

More than 70 Oklahoma veterans were honored for their service in an October ceremony in Washington, D.C.

How does one species of fruit fly turn into 800? How can environmental change and a differing food supply cause finches’ bills to change size and shape?

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 masterpiece “Psycho” is an oft-watched film to this day around Halloween, but did you know a native Oklahoman stars in the film?

Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition, and traditions always have a story behind them.

In 1910, the state capitol moved to Oklahoma City after the state seal was supposedly stolen from the original state capital in Guthrie.

The Cherokee Nation elected its first female chief, Wilma Mankiller, 30 years ago.

In the late 1800s, an unsung hero of life on the farm was the rough and tough cowgirl. No woman in America straddled the worlds of both Wild West shows and rodeos quite like Lucille Mulhall. Born in 1885, Lucille was raised on a family farm in Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory. By the age of 10, she was entertaining crowds at the mayor’s request.

Last month, a note dated September 21, 1933, was found during ongoing renovations at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The note, scribbled on an envelope from the Game and Fish Department, listed names of individuals and stated, “The above worked in this place on above date.”

The first record of a hot air balloon flight carrying human passengers took place in France in 1783. Launched by the Montgolfier brothers, its flight lasted 25 minutes and traveled over five miles.

Oklahoma takes pride in its Native American history and culture, especially the Cherokee Nation.

Before the Land Rush of 1889, Reverend Sylvester Morris, a Methodist missionary, owned what is now the oldest house standing in Tulsa. The simple, side-gabled house dates back to 1885.

Oklahoma never fails to astonish us when it comes to history.