Step into the spooky side of history! 👻

As part of this year’s Lexicon, join us for a family friendly afternoon of hands-on crafts, activities, mysterious artifacts, and a few ghostly surprises at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar. OSU Theatre’s Alpha Psi Omega students will be bringing the museum to life as museum ghosts from noon to 2 p.m. You never know who might be waiting around the next corner!

🕚 Activities: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
👻 Ghostly Encounters: Noon to 2 p.m.

Come explore the museum, meet some ghosts, and discover the spooky side of history. We promise it will be more fun than frightening! 🏛️🎃

This experience is presented in partnership with OSU Theatre’s Alpha Psi Omega students, with assistance from Town & Gown Theatre.

Join us for a fun evening of Oklahoma music and history in the historic setting of the Sheerar Cultural Center.

The Dust Jackets will perform a selection of music connected to Oklahoma artists and history. Led by Doug Miller, a Music History professor at Oklahoma State University, the band will also share stories and historical context behind the music.

Refreshments graciously provided by Duncan Catering

Corporate sponsorship provided by The Bank N.A.

Wine generously contributed by John and Lynn Franzmann

🕕 Event Schedule

• Social / Reception Hour: 6:00 PM

• Concert Begins: 7:00 PM

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour

• Seating: First come, first served

July Performance: Edgar Cruz

Join us for one of the Stillwater History Museum's most anticipated traditions - an unforgettable evening with internationally acclaimed guitarist Edgar Cruz. This historic concert has become a community favorite, consistently drawing a wonderful crowd for an evening of extraordinary music.

Edgar Cruz has performed across the United States, Europe, Mexico, and South America. A longtime headliner at the Chet Atkins Guitar Festival in Nashville since 1995, he has built a remarkable career spanning thousands of performances since the late 1970s. His engaging stage presence and incredible versatility make every concert a memorable experience.

This special performance is a fundraiser benefiting the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the museum's general operations, educational programs, exhibits, and efforts to preserve and share the history of our community.

🕕 Event Schedule

Social / Reception Hour: 6:00 PM
Refreshments Graciously Provided by the League of Women Voters

Concert Begins: 7:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Seating: First come, first served

🌐 Learn more: Edgar Cruz Official Website

As part of Library day hosted by the Stillwater Public Library, we are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary at the History Museum. Explore everyday life from the past and compare it to today by examining fascinating artifacts from different times. Visitors of all ages can get hands on with the objects, discover their stories, and enjoy fun crafts inspired by the artifacts. Celebrate 250 years of American history by connecting past and present through the items that tell our story.

This Oklahoma Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) traveling exhibit includes eight panels highlighting American patriots, including some with ties to Oklahoma. It also recognizes the often overlooked contributions of Native Americans, African Americans, and women in the fight for independence from England.

Join us for a special evening honoring Oklahoma’s distinguished veterans at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor Awards. This meaningful program recognizes individuals who have served our country with exceptional dedication and distinction.

The ceremony will feature Major General Doug Dollar (Ret.) presenting awards to William Berry, Brent E. Jones, and Billie Kennedy “B.K.” Shaw, celebrating their service and lasting impact. The event will also include a tribute to the Ritchie Boys of Oklahoma, highlighting their important contributions to history.

📅 Thursday, April 30
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM (Awards begin at 5:00 PM)

Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and gather in recognition of these remarkable Oklahomans. Presented by the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation, this program is a powerful opportunity to reflect on service, sacrifice, and legacy.

As part of the Stillwater Arts Festival and the Cultural District, the Stillwater History Museum is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Explore everyday life from the past and compare it to today by examining fascinating artifacts from different times. Visitors of all ages can get hands on with the objects, discover their stories, and enjoy fun crafts inspired by the artifacts. Celebrate 250 years of American history by connecting past and present through the items that tell our story.

🎄 Holiday Concert 2025 🎶

Following last year’s huge success, join us for a festive celebration of music!

Featuring:

• Misspent Ukes

• Stillwater Gospel Singers

• Students from the SHS Chamber Music Club

• String players from the studios of Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Shamas

Come enjoy an evening filled with holiday cheer, local talent, and beautiful music for the whole family! FREE concert. Please RSVP

Raising Voices Choir Concert at the Sheerar

We are delighted to host Raising Voices, Stillwater’s first dementia-friendly choir, for their end-of-semester concert! Join us for an uplifting afternoon of music featuring familiar favorites that all ages can enjoy.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations to support Raising Voices are gratefully appreciated.

Come celebrate the close of their second semester and experience the joy of community, music, and connection!

📣 We’re excited to join Stonecloud Brewery for Monday Trivia!

On Monday, November 10th, the Stillwater History Museum will be hosting Trivia with Stillwater-themed questions and special prizes at the Sheerar. 🏛️

🕖 Trivia kicks off at 7 PM. Come test your local knowledge and have a great time!

As part of this year’s Lexicon, the Stillwater History Museum invites visitors of all ages to enjoy crafts, hands-on activities, spooky artifacts, and a few ghostly encounters. This fun and collaborative experience is made possible through partnerships with the OSU Museum of Art, OSU Theatre’s Alpha Psi Omega students, and Town & Gown Theatre. To learn more about Lexicon, visit https://stillwaterok.gov/846/LexiCon-2025.

Exhibit Reception

Curated by Debbie Williams
Research by David Peters and Debbie Williams
Archival search by Kitty Pitmann

This special exhibit showcases objects excavated during construction and historic photographs and maps of the block. A detailed timeline of events and examples of businesses that once operated there will also be featured. Payne County Historical Society Reviews, with Block 34 articles by David Peters will be available for purchase.

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.

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.

www.edgarcruz.com 

Concert will last approximately an hour and are preceeded by a social/reception hour at 6pm. Seating is first-come first-served.

Refrshments for this event provided by Stillwater Sweets and Legacy Village Volunteers!

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

Essay link

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

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!

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/

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.

Essay link

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

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.