Okie Heritage

I am blessed to be a frequent speaker throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas.  I'm available to give presentations to schools, clubs, churches, museums, heritage events, book/gift shops, historical societies, libraries and more. My focus is Oklahoma, Arkansas, Native American and American West history. I also do historic re-enactments for history events and teach history for continuing education classes.

 To arrange a presentation contact me at 918-348-6648 or jonita.mullins@gmail.com.  Here are some comments from my last student evaluations at the Osher  Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

"I liked the progression of the class and relationships that Jonita talked about and how the Indians were an important part of Oklahoma history."

"Jonita Mullins is a fantastic teacher - incredibly learned with an engaging, enthusiastic, fun style. I hope she keeps teaching OLLI courses - I will sign up for every one!"

"She is very good and very knowledgeable. I really would like to have her as an instructor again. Soon! She knows so much about early Oklahoma history and tells interesting points along the way."

My presentation at the Wagoner Museum as Dr. Isabel Cobb

 2021

See the Okie HeritageTours page for my walking and caravan tours. No other events have been scheduled so far this year, but I'll post anything that comes up as soon as possible.

2020

Bass Reeves Memorial

Three Rivers Museum, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, January 11, 2020, 3:00 p.m.

The Bass Reeves Conference Committee, the "Posse" will honor U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves near the anniversary of his death in January 1910. A special memorial event will be held at the Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee. I will speak as Alice Robertson who was a contemporary of Bass Reeves.

STEAM Exhibit Opening

New Tech Center, Muskogee, OK

Thursday, January 16, 2020, 5:30 p.m.

I will portray Alice Robertson who is the focus of the opening exhibit for the STEAM Center (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, Math).



Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) History Class

Zarrow Pointe, Tulsa, OK

Wednesdays, February 19 to March 25, 10:00 a.m. to noon

I'll be teaching about the Jefferson Highway in Oklahoma. OLLI is an educational membership program for adults age 50 or older. To learn more about OLLI and how you can participate in its variety of courses, visit education.okstate.edu/olli

Senior Adult Class

First Methodist Church, Muskogee, OK

Thursday, February 20, 2020, 12:00 noon

I will be speaking on Alice Robertson who was elected to Congress 100 years ago in November of 1920. I hope also to be able to show the LoyalTV mini documentary I shot at First Methodist about one of the church's members from long ago.

Downtown Muskogee Walking Tour

Begins at the west lot of the Muskogee Civic Center

Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

This tour covers about 12 blocks of level walking with frequent stops. We’ll see lots of whimsical public art as we stroll through the Downtown Historic District. We’ll walk the beat of Officer Bass Reeves, skirt around “dead man’s corner,” discuss both politics and religion and crane our necks to study some gorgeous architectural detail.

 The cost is $5 per person and can be paid on the day of the tour by cash or credit card. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.

Lunch and Learn Program

Q.B. Boydstun Library, Fort Gibson, OK

Tuesday, March 3, 2020, noon

I will speak about Alice Robertson, sharing her remarkable history and celebrating the 100th anniversary of her election to Congress.

Wordwrights (Postponed)

Epworth Villa, Oklahoma City, OK

Saturday, March 14, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

I'll be sharing my writing journey and research processes with this Christian Writers group. I'll have my books for sale too!

Alice Robertson Caravan Tour

Leave from the West Lot of the Muskogee Civic Center

Friday, March 20, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the election of Alice Robertson to Congress. She was the first woman to be elected after women received the vote in 1920.

 We will meet in the west parking lot of the Muskogee Civic Center at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20. Then we’ll caravan to sites pertaining to her life in the Creek Nations.  A lunch break is planned.

 Load up the car with your group and join me. The cost is $15 and reservations are requested. You can contact me by e-mail or phone at 918-348-6648.

Farm to Table Festival (Cancelled)

Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Saturday, March 21, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

My booth will focus on the two Sawoklas of Alice Robertson. Alice offered farm to table fare from her Sawokla Farm to her Sawokla Cafeteria in Muskogee.

"Votes for Women" Presentation (Postponed)

Har-Ber Village Museum, Grove, OK

Friday, May 15, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

I will discuss the centennial anniversary of women's suffrage and the election of Oklahoma's first Congresswoman, Alice Robertson.

Some Sheroes of Mine

Indian Territory Chapter D.A.R., Muskogee, OK

Saturday, May 16, 2020, 1:00 p.m. via Zoom

I will talk about some of my favorite Oklahoma women from history.

Washington Irving Caravan Tour

Leave from Muskogee Civic Center West Parking Lot

Saturday, May 30, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

Join me in a drive in your own vehicle to sites that Washington Irving visited in his 1832 Tour on the Prairies. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Reservations are required at 918-348-6648. Limit to the first five cars (so get as many people as you want in your vehicle.) Cost is $15 per person.

Jefferson Highway in Oklahoma Class

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, via Zoom

Wednesday, June 3 and 10, 2020 11:00 a.m.

This will be the final two classes that I didn't get to complete in March due to the Shut-Down. I will cover the history of one of the oldest roads in Oklahoma (now Highway 69).

Downtown Muskogee Walking Tour

Leave from Muskogee Civic Center West Parking Lot

Saturday, June 6, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

Explore the fascinating history and beautiful architecture of the Indian  Capital. Cost $5 per person.

Jefferson Highway Caravan Tour

Leave from Muskogee Civic Center West Parking Lot

Saturday, June 13, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

The Drive is Fine on 69. Explore the history and iconic landmarks along the Grandaddy Road in Oklahoma. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Reservations are required at 918-348-6648. Limit to the first five cars (so get as many people as you want in your vehicle.) Cost is $15 per person.

"Votes for Women" Presentation 

Har-Ber Village Museum, Grove, OK

Friday, June 19, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

I will discuss the centennial anniversary of women's suffrage and the election of Oklahoma's first Congresswoman, Alice Robertson.

Wordwrights (Postponed)

Epworth Villa, Oklahoma City, OK

Saturday, July 11, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

I'll be sharing my writing journey and research processes with this Christian Writers group. I'll have my books for sale too!

Bass Reeves Caravan Tour

Muskogee Civic Center West Parking Lot, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, July 25, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

The annual Bass Reeves Western History Conference was cancelled due to the Pandemic Shut Down. To make up for this loss, I am offering a caravan tour in and around Muskogee to sites significant to the life and times of Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. Limit to the first five cars reserved at 918-348-6648. $15 per person.

The Cross Timbers Launch

Capital Place Park, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, August 1, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This park is located at 11th and Terrace. I'll be set up at the Trolley Stop Gazebo and will have plenty of my latest novel to sell and sign.

Notable Women Neighborhood Walking Tour

Beckman Park, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, September 5, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

Join me for a stroll around two historic neighborhoods in Muskogee. We won't go inside any of these lovely old homes, but we will study their wonderful architecture and learn about some of the interesting women who once called them home. Wear comfortable walking shoes. $5. Call 918-348-6648 for reservations.

Wordwrights

Crossings Community Church, Oklahoma City, OK

Saturday, September 12, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

I'll be sharing my writing journey and research processes with this Christian Writers group. I'll have my books for sale too!

Oklahoma Originals Class

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, via Zoom

Wednesday, September 23 to October 28, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

I will share from my book Oklahoma Originals some of the fascinating biographies of early Oklahoma.



Washington Irving Caravan Tour

Saturday, September 26, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

Fort Gibson Historic Site, Visitor Center, Fort Gibson, OK

Join me in a beautiful fall drive in your own vehicle to sites that Washington Irving visited in his 1832 Tour on the Prairies. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Reservations are required at 918-348-6648. Limit to the first five cars (so get as many people as you want in your vehicle.) Cost is $15 per person.

Jefferson Highway Caravan Tour

Saturday, October 3, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

Love's Travel Stop, Chouteau, OK (Hwy 69 at Hwy 412)

The Drive is Fine on 69! Explore the history and iconic landmarks along the Grandaddy Road between Chouteau and Checotah. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Reservations are required at 918-348-6648. Limit to the first five cars (so get as many people as you want in your vehicle.) Cost is $15 per person.

Historic Cemeteries Caravan Tour

Saturday, October 24, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

West Parking Lot, Muskogee Civic Center, Muskogee, OK

To get you into a spooky mood (but this isn't a haunted tour), we will drive our own vehicles to some historic cemeteries in the Muskogee area. Bring your own snacks and lunch. Reservations are required at 918-348-6648. Limit to the first five cars. Cost is $15 per person.

Sunrise Tours "Garden of Lights"

Thursday, December 3, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

Honor Heights Park, Muskogee, OK

I'm stepping aboard a tour bus from Missouri to show them the town and our beautiful park. There will be history to explore and amazing lights to be dazzled by.

2019

Miss Manners for HEART HomeSchoolers

First Baptist Church, Muskogee, OK

Thursday, April 4, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

For the Co-op Home Ec course I'll be portraying a Victorian lady and discuss the rules of etiquette and manners from years past.

Remembering Muskogee's Worst Disaster

KTFX Radio 101.7 fm, Muskogee, OK

Friday, April 12, 2019, 8:30 a.m.

I'll join Cliff Castill on the Fun Country Morning Show to talk about the devastating tornado that struck northeast Oklahoma on April 12, 1945 which happened the same day that President Roosevelt died.

Downtown Muskogee Walking Tour

Saturday, April 20, 2019, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 11, 2019, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 1, 2019, 4:30 p.m.

The tour will start at the Muskogee Civic Center and take you through the downtown - the Indian Capital of Oklahoma. See the Okie Heritage Tours page for additional details. Cost is $5 per person, cash or card.

Wonder City Wordfest

Wonder City Coffee Shop, Locust Grove, OK

Saturday, April 27, 2019, 10:00 to 4:00

I will join a group of area authors, including Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, at the coffee shop to sell and sign our books. Poetry readings and other nods to the written word will be a part of this festival.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Mustang Public Library, Mustang, OK

Friday, May 3, 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Volunteers are the life blood of any community. I am pleased to be the guest speaker to say thanks to the volunteers in Mustang who are making a difference in their community.

"Missions of Indian Territory" Caravan Tour

Leave from the Muskogee Civic Center, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

We will drive our own cars and visit sites that are found in my novel series "The Missions of Indian Territory." This is a fun tour that includes lunch at the Dutch Pantry in Chouteau. Cost is $10 per person; cash or card.

Student Day at the Heritage Center

Cherokee Heritage Center, Park Hill, OK

Friday, May 31, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

I will portray Dr. Isabel Cobb, Indian Territory's first female physician at the Doctor's Office in Adams Corner. I'll share her story about attending the Cherokee Female Seminary and practicing medicine in the Nation.

Silk Stocking Lane Neighborhood Walking Tour

Starts at Beckman Park, 16th & Court, in Muskogee, OK

Saturday, June 8, 2019, 4:30 p.m.

Following the Founders' Place Home & Garden Tour from noon to 4:00 p.m., I will lead a group tour through this historic neighborhood to talk about its history, its beautiful houses and the fascinating people who have called this area home. $5 per person, cash or card.

Honey Springs Battlefield Program

Battlefield Visitor Center, Rentiesville, OK

Saturday, June 22, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

I will speak on how the Texas Road was the Focus of the Civil War in Indian Territory and how this very old road is still important today. Free and open to the public.

Adult Summer Reading Program

Pryor Public Library, Pryor, OK

Monday, June 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

I will portray Dr. Isabel Cobb, Indian Territory's first female doctor and share more interesting stories from my upcoming book Oklahoma Originals.

Release of Oklahoma Originals

Online and in Bookstores

Monday, July 22, 2019

You will finally be able to get your copy of my latest non-fiction history book called Oklahoma Originals. It includes over 80 biographies of some of Oklahoma's most famous and infamous characters.

Author Booksigning

Best of Books, Edmond, OK

Tuesday, July 23, 2019, 6:00 p.m.

Stop by to see me and you'll be among the first to get a signed copy of my newest book, Oklahoma Originals.

Stilwell Book Club

Stilwell Public Library, Stilwell, OK

Thursday, July, 25, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

I will portray one of the intriguing women found in my new book Oklahoma Originals. I'll have books to sell also.

Author Interview

Magic City Books, Tulsa, OK

Thursday, July 25, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

I am excited to get to do an event in Tulsa. I will speak briefly on my new book and then autograph copies.

Bass Reeves Western History Conference

Three Rivers Museum, Muskogee, OK

Friday, July 26, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

I will lead a tour through some of Oklahoma's earliest history at Fort Gibson. I will also be signing my new book in the afternoon at the museum.

Bass Reeves Western History Conference

Muskogee Civic Center, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, July 27, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

I will lead the Bass Reeves Legacy Tour along his police beat in Muskogee, then I will be signing books after a barbecue lunch at the Civic Center.

Book Signing

Boarding House Books, Claremore, OK

Saturday, August 3, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Boarding House Books is a favorite of mine because it's located in an old restored building in downtown Claremore. Come see me to get my latest book, OKlahoma Originals.

Ancestor Fair

Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City, OK

Saturday, August 10, 2019, 11:00 a.m.

I will be highlighting some of the interesting people who filled early Oklahoma with fascinating history. Genealogists will enjoy this fun event.

Book Signing

The Book Exchange, Pryor Creek, OK

Saturday, August 17, 2019, 11:00 to 1:00

Get your copy of the #2 Best Selling book by an Oklahoma Author. I'll have my new book Oklahoma Originals available for sale.

Fort Gibson Historical Society

Fort Gibson Bakery & Cafe, Fort Gibson, OK

Monday, August 19, 2019, 11:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome for a lunch gathering at this great little local cafe. Come get your autographed copy of Oklahoma Originals or any of my other eleven books.

Writers Club

Sapulpa Public Library, Sapulpa, OK

Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 6:00 p.m.

I'll be speaking to a group of writing enthusiasts on what provides inspiration for my writing and about the basics of publishing. Open to the public for anyone interested in writing and books.

Ponca City Genealogical Society

Ponca City Library, Ponca City, OK

Tuesday, September 3, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

I'll be discussing some of the colorful characters who inhabit the pages of my latest book Oklahoma Originals.

The MarketPlace

Muskogee Civic Center, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, September 7, 2019, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

I will have a table at this downtown First Saturday Gathering. It will be a great opportunity for my Muskogee area fans to come get an autographed copy of my Best Seller - Oklahoma Originals.

Black Buggy Day

Guy Williams Park, Chouteau, OK

Saturday, September 21, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In the heart of Oklahoma's Amish Country, this annual events provides both Amish and English crafts, gifts and food items. I'll be set up to sell my books and craft items.

Muskogee Master Gardeners

Honor Heights Park Papilion, Muskogee, OK

Thursday, September 26, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

I will share some history of of two of Muskogee's oldest parks and discuss the Alice Robertson House and efforts to restore it to be a gathering place.

Book Signing

South Roads Barnes & Noble, Tulsa, OK

Saturday, September 28, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Come get your autographed copy of my best seller - Oklahoma Originals. If you have already bought my book, but would like to get it signed come and see me at Barnes & Noble!

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Central Center, Tulsa, OK

Tuesdays, October 1,8,15 & 22, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to noon

I will be teaching a class on The History of the American West. It's a big subject!

Book Review

Country Gardens Assisted Living Center, Muskogee, OK

Monday, October 14, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

I'll be reviewing my latest book Oklahoma Originals for the residents at the center.

Writing Your History Workshop

Muskogee Public Library, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

This workshop, sponsored by the Muskogee County Genealogical Society include three sessions of 30 to 40 minutes each. The three sessions would be “Biography and Memoir,” “Genealogy and Family History” and “Blogging Your Story.” Contact the library if you would like to attend.

Pryor Forum & JH Meeting

Mid-America Expo Center, Pryor, OK

Friday, November 8, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

Promoters of the Jefferson Highway will meet in conjunction with the Pryor Chamber of Commerce's monthly forum luncheon. Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell will be the guest speaker.

Frost on the Pumpkin Festival

First United Methodist Church, Muskogee, OK

Saturday, November 9, 2019, 9 to 4.

I will be selling my books and needlecrafts like cross-stitched book marks at this long-standing annual craft show.

Holiday Market

Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, OK

Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9 to 4

Hundreds of vendors will make this holiday craft show a great place to do your Christmas shopping. Someone on your "nice list" needs a book, don't they?