Programs include photographs and accompanying commentary. For scheduling or more information, please contact Kasey Rhone, Director of Education, krhone@tulsahistory.org.
Art Deco 101
Learn the basics of Art Deco through photographs and live commentary. Art deco, which includes much more than just architecture, was popular from the 1920s through the 1940s. It included three distinct styles, all of which are found in Tulsa.
Leading Ladies of Early Tulsa
These programs address the significant cultural and civic impact women had on the early development of the city of Tulsa. Programs on three different early Tulsa women are available: Jane Heard Clinton, Lilah Denton Lindsey, and Fannie Misch. Each one runs 45 minutes.
Early Tulsa
This photographic history of Tulsa’s early life will take you from 1893 to 1909 as a cow-town in Indian Territory develops into a city. Learn what events affected the community’s growth. See pictures of a ferry crossing the Arkansas River, the Jeff Archer Store, the Frisco Depot, street cars, the first amusement park, and the first hospital.
First Churches & Schools
Beginning in 1884 with the First Presbyterian Church and Mission School, learn how the pioneers rallied to provide an education for their children and how the Tulsa Public School system was born. Enjoy photographs of early-day churches that are still thriving in Tulsa.
Gusher!
The discovery of the Glenpool oilfield led to Tulsa being proclaimed the “Oil Capital of the World.” Follow the boom and bust development from the early days of roughnecks and wildcatters to the fabulous wealth oil companies bestowed upon Tulsa. Photographs of oil fields, laborers, schools, bridges, and booster trains reflect our city as it grew during the time.
From the Pig’s Ear Café to Cleora’s Kitchen
Travel through Tulsa’s culinary history beginning in 1905 when the Pig’s Ear Café served fried chicken dinners to oil field workers, millionaire oil producers, railroad men, and cowboys. See photos of early boarding houses and cafes. Learn what challenges existed when raising a garden and finding meat in early Tulsa.
Oklahoma Outlaws & Lawmen
Hear the tales of the Doolin Gang, the Daltons, Tulsa Jack, Belle Starr, Bill Cook and other outlaws who lived around Tulsa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Celebrate the Indian Territory U.S. Marshalls as well as the lawmen from the Indian Nations called Lighthorsemen. Listen to stories about the famous hanging judge, Isaac Parker. This photographic presentation is suggested for mature audiences.
Tulsa Theaters of Yesteryear
Tulsa’s movie theater history began in 1906 with the opening of the Dreamland and Lyric Theaters. Follow the rise and fall of Tulsa’s elegant and glamorous theaters and their cultural and economic impact on our city. The program includes photographs and commentary showcasing over 26 theaters, including the Orpheum, Ritz, and Delman.
Tulsa in the Teens
Although the decade of the 1910s was consumed with the oil business there was certainly much more to everyday life than petroleum production. Tulsans built houses, established businesses to support their growing city, founded churches and schools, and began cultural organizations. This program showcases both the industrial and domestic sides of life as well as the photographs that represent the two.
Tulsa Homes by Mail
Learn about Tulsa's (and the surrounding areas) "Kit Homes" or "Precut Homes." This presentation explores a piece of Tulsa history that has been largely unexplored, that is "fairy tale catalogs" that offered Americans a new way to home ownership, by way of build-it-yourself homes!
Aviation History of Tulsa
From balloons to space in a little over 100 years for Tulsa, once known as the Air Capital of the World. This presentation briefly touches on only some of the many amazing events associated with aeronautics in and around Tulsa.