EVENTS
EVENTS
Event descriptions . . . scroll down
Cool Classics: Piano Quintet
Experience the joy of music, community, and culture—only at Cool Classics.
Join us for Cool Classics, the 17th Annual Summer Concert Series hosted at the historic Sheerar Cultural Center. This beloved tradition showcases Oklahoma’s exceptional musical talent through a season of live performances in a charming, historic setting.
The June performance features an outstanding ensemble: Ashley Cooper (violin), Jessica Borth (violin), Dr. Kevin Flynn (cello), Elena Lyalina (piano), and Caden Stine (viola), a talented student artist. Audiences will enjoy a one-hour concert of the Schumann: Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44 and Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2, Op. 81 offering a rich and engaging musical experience.
Concert will last approximately an hour and are preceeded by a social/reception hour at 6pm. Seating is first-come first-served. FREE to the public. RSVP below.
Light refreshments provided by Visit Stillwater
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Light refreshments provided by Visit Stillwater ***
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections at the Stillwater History Museum
Celebrate the rich diversity of Stillwater at Cultural Connections, a special Family Day event at the Stillwater History Museum! Enjoy an afternoon of games, crafts, and family-friendly activities as local cultural groups share their heritage through informational tables and live performances on stage.
If your group would like to participate or perform, please contact us at programs@stillwaterokhistory.org.
Cool Classics: Edgar Cruz
Experience the joy of music, community, and culture—only at Cool Classics.
The July performance features Virtuoso guitarist Edgar Cruz. Cruz has performed in America, Europe, Mexico and South America. He is an amazing entertainer and has been a prestigious headliner at the Chet Atkins Guitar Festival every July in Nashville since 1995 as well as playing a multitude of performances large and small since the late 70's. He has 19 CDs and 2 award winning DVDs, instructional and documentary. He is his own arranger, publisher, producer and manager. He plays 1000’s of songs in many genres and has inspired multiple guitarists from around the world on You Tube. He performs 300 times a year and has shared the stage with guitar legends Tommy Emmanuel, Jose Feliciano, Andy McKee, Doyle Dykes, Richard Smith and many more finger style guitar masters.
Concert will last approximately an hour and are preceeded by a social/reception hour at 6pm. Seating is first-come first-served.
Library Day!
Join other summer readers for a historical morning at the Stillwater History Museum.
Explore Stillwater with the library this summer on Thursday Field Trip days. Join us at the Stillwater History Museum. View the exhibit and engage with our history through a variety of hands-on activities.
This program is a part of the Stillwater Public Library's summer reading program, "Color Our World," which runs May 31 through July 25. Visit stillwaterok.gov/LibrarySummer to register for summer reading, track reading time, earn prizes, and find out about more awesome events!
Major sponsors for summer reading include the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, and the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. A full list of sponsors can be found on our website.
Cool Classics: Steelwind
Experience the joy of music, community, and culture—only at Cool Classics.
The unique Steelwind sound originates from co-songwriters Blake Parks and Michael Henneberry. For over 15 years they've been writing heartfelt lyrics and playing music together that all started on a front porch in Stillwater, OK. Over the years, their tight harmonies and bluegrass instrumentation have become an identifiable style with Blake on fiddle, Michael on guitar, Joel Parks on banjo, Adam Davis on dobro, and Kenny Parks on bass.
Their 2016 album titled F5 showcased their songwriting style and unleashed their title track about how relationships can be tornados. Their 2019 album Blue brings out the emotions of happiness, excitement, and of course being blue. These youthful musicians create a fun show as they share their original songs and bluegrass favorites with music lovers.
Steelwind has opened for Darrel Scott, Tony Rice, The SteelDrivers, and Asleep at the Wheel to name a few. From playing intimate listening rooms to major festivals, these young and talented musicians bring a fresh sound to the bluegrass world.
Learn more and find their music at www.steelwindmusic.com
Concert will last approximately an hour and are preceeded by a social/reception hour at 6pm. Seating is first-come first-served.
Dan Williams Presents: Madeline Webb
Join journalist and historian Dan Williams for a captivating talk about Madeline Webb—a Stillwater native whose dramatic life journey took her from Oklahoma A&M to Hollywood stardom dreams, to a sensational murder trial in 1940s New York.
Based on the forthcoming book tentatively titled Madeline Gets Life: Love, Murder, and the Trial that Shook Wartime New York, co-authored with journalist Micki Van Deventer, this presentation uncovers Madeline’s complex story: her relationship with a charming jewel thief, a scandalous murder in a Manhattan hotel suite, and the trial that dominated tabloid headlines.
Madeline spent 25 years in prison before returning to Stillwater, where she sought redemption but faced new challenges—including rejection for living openly with a woman. The authors share rare photographs, historic headlines, prison records, audio of Madeline herself, and personal insights into Stillwater’s forgotten chapters.
📚 Perfect for fans of true crime, women’s history, and untold Oklahoma stories.
No RSVP required—come early for seating!
Heritage Day
Don't miss this family-friendly, hands-on event! Heritage Day at the Stillwater History Museum will feature a variety of engaging demonstrations, heritage crafts, and activities both inside and outside the museum. Visitors of all ages can enjoy music, make traditional rag dolls, churn butter, try their hand at wood burning and play old-fashioned games. Skilled weavers will also be on-site to showcase their craft through live demonstrations.
This special event is scheduled to coincide with the Stillwater Art Festival, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate history, art, and community!
Stillwater Collects Reception
Stillwater Collects Exhibit Reception, featuring a heartwarming collection of valentines from the 1920s and 1930s. Enjoy a glass of champagne and sweets bites as you explore these beautifully preserved pieces of history. Curated from the cherished collection of Karen Neurohr, the exhibit honors her beloved aunt, Mamie Neta Nichols, nee Brown. Whether you're heading to a concert at the McKnight Center or dinner at the Community Center, this reception is the perfect way to begin your evening.
Holiday Concert
Join us for a FREE Holiday Concert at the Stillwater History Museum!
Get into the holiday spirit with a variety music show featuring performances by the talented Stillwater Gospel Singers, students from Stillwater Public Schools orchestras, the Stillwater Trombone Trio, string players from the studios of Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Shamas, and more!
Bring family and friends for an evening filled with music and joy. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
Play Ball: the American Sport Meets the American Dream
Through the territory of the diamond on which the human dramas in this series are played, a great deal is accomplished in showing us how to live our lives authentically.
July 18, Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story by Leanne Howe, scholar Emily Dial-Driver
August 15, Shoeless Joe, author W.P. Kinsella, scholar Karen Neurohr
September 19, The Boys of Summer, author Roger Kahn, scholar Andrew Vassar
October 24, Bang the Drum Slowly author Mark Harris, scholar Brian Cowlish
November 21, Wait Til Next Year, author Doris Kearns, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books will be available in June for the July program.
405-377-0359 or director@stillwaterOKhistory.org
co-sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities
50th Anniversary Legacy Brunch
Join us in celebrating five decades of preserving our past at the Stillwater History Museum’s 50th Anniversary Fundraiser. Sip on mimosas, mingle with good friends, listen to old stories, and help us ensure that the stories of yesterday continue to inspire tomorrow!
1960s with Max Holm Trio
Max Holm is an award-winning jazz pianist, producer/composer of music (for film, TV, advertising, games, and metaverses), performer, and author. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, now residing in Stillwater, he is an adjunct jazz piano professor at OSU's Greenwood School of Music. As a digital nomad, Max has lived across Europe and the USA in 22 cities, so far. He is a dual Swedish/US citizen. Max has performed hundreds of times across the US and Europe, often with renowned jazz musicians in famous venues and arenas. He has also opened jazz festivals with his namesake combos. He is a featured performer on the award-winning jazz album The Inside of the Outside with Jeff Coffin, Branford Marsalis and others. Max received his Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) from Berklee College of Music in Boston. His music can be heard on Fox TV, BET+, Univision, Ireland Public Television, a Monster Energy campaign, and in over 15,000 TV, ads, games, metaverses, film and other channels across the globe. Over 50 million unique listeners worldwide and growing have enjoyed Max's music. Two of Max's jazz-classical fusion recordings can be heard on Academy Award winners Anne Hathaway's and Jessica Chastain's film, Mother's Instinct (Amazon Prime). In his book Ace Your Sight-Reading Audition! Max shares sight reading hacks that helped him win over $500,000 in music scholarships. His album of neo-classical music for film trailers, IMPASSE, is out now. You can listen to Max Holm's music on all streaming services.
Link to About Max: https://maxholm.com/about/epk-2/
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
Play Ball: the American Sport Meets the American Dream
Through the territory of the diamond on which the human dramas in this series are played, a great deal is accomplished in showing us how to live our lives authentically.
July 18, Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story by Leanne Howe, scholar Emily Dial-Driver
August 15, Shoeless Joe, author W.P. Kinsella, scholar Karen Neurohr
September 19, The Boys of Summer, author Roger Kahn, scholar Andrew Vassar
October 24, Bang the Drum Slowly author Mark Harris, scholar Brian Cowlish
November 21, Wait Til Next Year, author Doris Kearns, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books will be available in June for the July program.
405-377-0359 or director@stillwaterOKhistory.org
co-sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities
Members Reception
On Thursday afternoon, October 17, from 4 to 6 p.m., members are invited to a preview reception. You’ll have an opportunity to speak with staff and learn details about behind-the-scenes work and discoveries during the ongoing museum renovation.
Museum Mysteries: Cracking Codes
Imagine yourself as a detective exploring museum exhibits filled with mysteries. This event, inspired by the famous comic strip Dick Tracy, will connect people of all ages through the excitement of solving clues and cracking codes. Dick Tracy was created by Chester Gaul, who was born in Pawnee. Comics and memorabilia are on loan from the Pawnee Historical Society.
The 1940s with the Stillwater Jazz Band
Join us for an exciting evening as the Stillwater Jazz Band performs timeless classics from the 1940s.
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
Play Ball: the American Sport Meets the American Dream
Through the territory of the diamond on which the human dramas in this series are played, a great deal is accomplished in showing us how to live our lives authentically.
July 18, Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story by Leanne Howe, scholar Emily Dial-Driver
August 15, Shoeless Joe, author W.P. Kinsella, scholar Karen Neurohr
September 19, The Boys of Summer, author Roger Kahn, scholar Andrew Vassar
October 24, Bang the Drum Slowly author Mark Harris, scholar Brian Cowlish
November 21, Wait Til Next Year, author Doris Kearns, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books will be available in June for the July program.
405-377-0359 or director@stillwaterOKhistory.org
co-sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
Play Ball: the American Sport Meets the American Dream
Through the territory of the diamond on which the human dramas in this series are played, a great deal is accomplished in showing us how to live our lives authentically.
July 18, Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story by Leanne Howe, scholar Emily Dial-Driver
August 15, Shoeless Joe, author W.P. Kinsella, scholar Karen Neurohr
September 19, The Boys of Summer, author Roger Kahn, scholar Andrew Vassar
October 24, Bang the Drum Slowly author Mark Harris, scholar Brian Cowlish
November 21, Wait Til Next Year, author Doris Kearns, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books will be available in June for the July program.
405-377-0359 or director@stillwaterOKhistory.org
co-sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
Play Ball: the American Sport Meets the American Dream
Through the territory of the diamond on which the human dramas in this series are played, a great deal is accomplished in showing us how to live our lives authentically.
July 18, Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story by Leanne Howe, scholar Emily Dial-Driver
August 15, Shoeless Joe, author W.P. Kinsella, scholar Karen Neurohr
September 19, The Boys of Summer, author Roger Kahn, scholar Andrew Vassar
October 24, Bang the Drum Slowly author Mark Harris, scholar Brian Cowlish
November 21, Wait Til Next Year, author Doris Kearns, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books will be available in June for the July program.
405-377-0359 or director@stillwaterOKhistory.org
co-sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and the National Endowment of the Humanities
Members Reception
On Thursday afternoon, July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., members are invited to a preview reception. You’ll have an opportunity to speak with staff and learn details about behind-the-scenes work and discoveries during the ongoing museum renovation.
The Roaring 1920s with Louis Pertinelli Jazz Quartet
For the museum’s 50th anniversary, we’re taking a look at 50 years of music—from the 1920s through the 1960s—through a series of 3 musical concerts taking place in June, September, and October. Purchase tickets here for the 1920s concert.
Heritage Day
Don’t miss this family-friendly hands-on event!
A variety of demonstrations, heritage crafts, and hands-on activities will take place both outside and inside the museum building during the Heritage Day event.
Outside, visitors can make a yarn doll and a harmonica and Churn butter. Card wool, weave on a loom, play games of yesteryear, and wash clothes using a vintage wringer. Demonstrations will include blacksmithing and weaving. Pleasant Valley School will share activities reminiscent of a school day in 1890.
Inside the museum, you’ll experience the sounds of the museum’s Regina music box and the sights of a Zoetrope and a magic lantern (an early version of a slide projector). Representatives from the Payne County Historical Committee will share items of Payne County history as they demonstrate one of the museum’s new interactive screens. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Family History Center will help those researching their family genealogy.
Admission is free; however, donations are always welcome!
The event was purposefully scheduled to coincide with the Stillwater Art Festival and the Red Dirt Film Festival so there’s even more to do and see!
Members Reception
On Thursday afternoon, April 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., members are invited to a preview reception. You’ll have an opportunity to speak with staff and learn details about behind-the-scenes work and discoveries during the ongoing museum renovation.
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
The Oklahoma Experience: Revisions
Five contemporary Oklahoma authors present their visions of the Oklahoma experience through realism and without sentimentality.
August 17, Fire in Beulah, author Rilla Eskew, scholar Dr. Laura Arata
September 14, Red Dirt, Growing up Okie, author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, scholar Patricia Loughlin
October 12, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, author Billie Letts, scholar Karen A. Neurohr
November 16, Shell Shaker, author LeAnne Howe, scholar Dr. Andrew Vassar
December 14, Pushing the Bear, author Diane Glancy, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books are available now for the August program!
405-377-0359 or director@sheerarmuseum.org
co-sponsored b the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and National Endowment of the Humanities
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
The Oklahoma Experience: Revisions
Five contemporary Oklahoma authors present their visions of the Oklahoma experience through realism and without sentimentality.
August 17, Fire in Beulah, author Rilla Eskew, scholar Dr. Laura Arata
September 14, Red Dirt, Growing up Okie, author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, scholar Patricia Loughlin
October 12, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, author Billie Letts, scholar Karen A. Neurohr
November 16, Shell Shaker, author LeAnne Howe, scholar Dr. Andrew Vassar
December 14, Pushing the Bear, author Diane Glancy, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books are available now for the August program!
405-377-0359 or director@sheerarmuseum.org
co-sponsored b the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and National Endowment of the Humanities
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
The Oklahoma Experience: Revisions
Five contemporary Oklahoma authors present their visions of the Oklahoma experience through realism and without sentimentality.
August 17, Fire in Beulah, author Rilla Eskew, scholar Dr. Laura Arata
September 14, Red Dirt, Growing up Okie, author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, scholar Patricia Loughlin
October 12, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, author Billie Letts, scholar Karen A. Neurohr
November 16, Shell Shaker, author LeAnne Howe, scholar Dr. Andrew Vassar
December 14, Pushing the Bear, author Diane Glancy, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books are available now for the August program!
405-377-0359 or director@sheerarmuseum.org
co-sponsored b the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and National Endowment of the Humanities
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
The Oklahoma Experience: Revisions
Five contemporary Oklahoma authors present their visions of the Oklahoma experience through realism and without sentimentality.
August 17, Fire in Beulah, author Rilla Eskew, scholar Dr. Laura Arata
September 14, Red Dirt, Growing up Okie, author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, scholar Patricia Loughlin
October 12, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, author Billie Letts, scholar Karen A. Neurohr
November 16, Shell Shaker, author LeAnne Howe, scholar Dr. Andrew Vassar
December 14, Pushing the Bear, author Diane Glancy, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books are available now for the August program!
405-377-0359 or director@sheerarmuseum.org
co-sponsored b the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and National Endowment of the Humanities
The Veterans History Project Webinar
The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress invites you to a FREE webinar.
Sponsor: Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar
Thursday, August 31, 2023, @ 2 pm
Workshop Leader: Sarah Milligan, participant trainer for the Veterans History Project and Dept. Head of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Oklahoma State University Library
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
→ How to participate in sharing the stories of veterans in your life or community
→ How to record veteran’s histories to add to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project
Registration is required to receive the webinar link.
Call: 405-377-0359 or Email: info@sheerarmuseum.org
Let's Talk About It Oklahoma book discussion series
Free book reading & discussion in the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Auditorium 702 South Duncan Street, 6:30 pm, Thursdays
The Oklahoma Experience: Revisions
Five contemporary Oklahoma authors present their visions of the Oklahoma experience through realism and without sentimentality.
August 17, Fire in Beulah, author Rilla Eskew, scholar Dr. Laura Arata
September 14, Red Dirt, Growing up Okie, author Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, scholar Patricia Loughlin
October 12, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, author Billie Letts, scholar Karen A. Neurohr
November 16, Shell Shaker, author LeAnne Howe, scholar Dr. Andrew Vassar
December 14, Pushing the Bear, author Diane Glancy, scholar Sunu Kodumthara
Books are loaned free of charge. Reserve your space today! The books are available now for the August program!
405-377-0359 or director@sheerarmuseum.org
co-sponsored b the Stillwater Public Library
The program is made possible by Oklahoma Humanities and National Endowment of the Humanities
Cool Classics Concert Edgar Cruz
The 15th season of the Cool Classics Concert series continues with Edgar Cruz. Ted’s Taco Cantina, Stone Cloud, and OLLI host the social ad refreshment hour preceding the concert. Tickets are SOLD OUT!
Pueblo: a year of crisis in America
Join us this afternoon for a special screening of the newly released documentary about the Pueblo incident by Bill Lowe. Director Lowe and Stu Russell, Pueblo survivor and Stillwater resident, will be at the screening. Following the screening in the Stillwater History Museum auditorium there will be a Q&A time with Lowe and Russell. The auditorium seats 196 and we expect a good crowd—so seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The ramp off of 7th Street will provide accessibility for those who need it.
Cool Classics Concert Duo Appassionata
The 15th season of the Cool Classics Concert series opens with a viola and harp duo. from Tulsa. Appassionata performs everything from sophisticated classical concerts to rock ballads, and they cover hits by Pink Floyd and Coldplay. The League of Women Voters hosts the hour-long social and refreshments preceding the concert. There is a $5 suggested donation, and a $5 per glass wine charge; limit of 2 per person.
Museum Closure
The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar will be closed for cleaning and collections work December 24, 2022, through January 16, 2023.
Calendar of Events
Images from past events
sewing a quilt
Annual Family History Fair
Military Band concert
making a Christmas tree ornament
OSU History Club program
Community Singers
Cruz and Kelsey Concert
Family event
Children's Theater
Chrysalis croquet
DAR program
Antique cars
Cool Classic Concert