The Friends of
Honey Springs Battlefield
An historic site of the Oklahoma Historical Society

The Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield Park, Inc. was created as a tax-exempt organization [501(c)(3)] in 1991 to promote, support, and assist in programs and services at Honey Springs Battlefield Historic Site. It's initial membership included more than 800 people in seventeen U.S. states as well as Canada, England, France, Germany, and Scotland.

However, many of those instrumental in creating the new group had been actively promoting the battlefield since the Civil War Centennial. Beginning with the Centenary Memorial Service held on the actual date of the battle, there has been an annual Memorial Service held each succeeding year on the Saturday closest to July 17 th. Over time this has evolved into an elaborate, but brief, ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Civil War reenactors presenting a joint color guard and saluting those who died or mortally wounded here with a rifle salute, the bugle call "Taps", and the firing of a cannon. Although the Union dead were disinterred in 1868 and removed to Fort Gibson National Cemetery, the Confederate dead remain. This solemn event is followed by a luncheon and the Friends' annual business meetings – held under a large tent near the visitors center.

Triennial Re-enactment. On the 125 th Anniversary of the battle in 1988, the local community co-sponsored a reenactment of the battle; this was followed by a second reenactment in 1990, after which the Oklahoma Historical Society decided to co-sponsor three reenactments (Middle Boggy, Cabin Creek, and Honey Springs). So beginning 1993 the site has seen a battle every three years. The first five events were held in conjunction with the annual memorial service weekend, but beginning in 2002, the OHS determined to hold all reenactments the last Saturday of September plus the following day, with a free "school day" on the preceding Friday. Thus the 2002 and 2005 reenactments were held in September. The 2008 event will be held September 27-28 with the accompanying school day on the 26 th.

Gift Shop – Under contract with the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Friends maintain and operate a small gift shop in the site's visitors center. This arrangements ensures that all the shop's profits remain with and benefit the battlefield.

Membership – The Friends welcome new and returning members each year. An annual report to the membership is mailed each year's end and the annual membership meeting is held the Saturday closest to the date of the battle. Annual dues are $10.00/voting member; $25.00/supporting member; $100.00/business membership. These should be mailed to: