EastTexasRadio.com Powered by Ten Stations
Fort Towson Historic Site Plan Hands-On Opportunities for Guests in 2023
FORT TOWSON, Okla. — Fort Towson Historic Site staff are busily preparing for the full slate of activities and events scheduled for 2023. Learning opportunities will be plentiful, with weekend activities beginning in February on the second, third and fourth Saturdays of each month. Special events throughout the year will include:
- An 1840s education day and encampment.
- A history day camp for kids.
- A cinnamon roll social, Doaksville candlelight tours, and Christmas at the Fort.
The Second Saturday Sewing Circle is a free, informal monthly event focusing on sewing and historic domestic skills. Participants may bring their own modern or history projects or purchase kits from the site’s gift shop.
“The idea behind this series is for a group of people to inspire one another through the sharing of ideas. The mixture of skill levels in the group will allow more experienced guests to provide guidance for beginners,” said Calista Stephens, site director. “We strive to foster the organic relationships and sharing of knowledge that can come from social experiential learning.”
Young visitors will learn about history through fun, historic hands-on activities during the Kids Make History series on the third Saturday of each month. The research-based programs will include games, cooking, historic arts and crafts, and reenacting skills. You can find each month’s activity information on the site’s Facebook and web pages. This program is a partnership with Oklahoma 4-H, Choctaw, and Pushmataha County OSU Extension.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, we will feature a different skill during a program called Hands-On Historical Skills.
“Hands-on demonstrations allow individuals the chance to get a different view of the past than merely reading about it or only viewing an untouchable artifact,” said historical interpreter David Reed. “This program is even more special by participating in it at an important historic site such as Fort Towson.”
Living history incorporates historical tools, activities, and dress into programs and gives observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. This method of presentation will continue to be the centerpiece for many of the site’s programs and activities, including the 1840s Education Day on March 2 and the 1840s Encampment on March 3-5.
You can find updates on monthly programs and special events on the Fort Towson Historic Site’s Facebook page or at www.okhistory.org/forttowson. For more information, email fttowson@history.ok.gov or call 580-873-2634. The Fort Towson Historic Site is north of US 70 near Fort Towson.
Fort Towson Historic Site is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by the Territorial Press Association members, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites, and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs, and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.