On Saturday, March 14, 20 and 28, the Fort Gibson Historic Site will hold a special living history education program focused on the life of refugees who relocated to the military outpost in the 1860s. The programs will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 4 p.m.

While the Union army made headway in 1862 and 1863 by capturing Fort Gibson and winning a major battle at Honey Springs, many women, children and other dependents of Cherokee, Creek and Seminole soldiers serving in the Union Indian Brigade had to continue living as refugees in the remaining buildings of the palisade square. Other unexpected people also turned up as refugees at Fort Gibson.

Seth Goff, historical interpreter at Fort Gibson Historic Site, will present a living history program discussing the difficult decisions refugees faced during the Civil War, what they did during their time at Fort Gibson and the food and other supplies they received from the Union army.

The talk is included with paid admission to the site. Interested guests should check in at the Palisade admissions office at 110 E. Ash Ave. in Fort Gibson. Visitors should dress accordingly for March weather in Oklahoma.

For more information, please call 918-478-4088.

The Fort Gibson 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 members of the Territorial Press Association, 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 okhistory.org.