History buffs and animal lovers alike have a unique opportunity this weekend as Hunter’s Home in Tahlequah hosts its annual spring shearing event. Sue Treska, the site Director for Hunter’s Home, shared details about the upcoming event, explaining, “We have spring on the farm. We will be shearing our sheep, weather permitting. We’ve got a flock of 21 of them now, and they all need some haircuts, so we’re gonna be cutting some hair this weekend.”
Treska also provided insight into the significance of Hunter’s Home. “Hunter’s Home is the last remaining antebellum plantation home in the state. We are also the only full-time living history site in the state, and we do 1850s agriculture,” she stated. This immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time, exploring heritage vegetable gardens and encountering heritage breed animals like sheep, ducks, chickens, and turkeys. The house, itself, boasts an impressive collection of about 90% of the original furnishings. Treska noted ongoing developments, including plans for a new visitor center and building repairs, signifying growth for the historic site.
While the sheep shearing is an annual event, Hunter’s Home welcomes visitors year-round, Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. “You can come out at any time you want. We give tours of the house, and then we will talk to you about the agriculture. You’re free to tour some on your own, and it’s about an hour experience,” Treska explained, adding that many visitors extend their stay to two or three hours. The site is a popular destination for school tours, offering a tangible link to historical context. “We love to have the kids out,” Treska said. “For a lot of these kids, they’ve never seen a turkey up close and personal. We have halter-trained one of our lambs so we can let you touch the lamb and feed it. They’re just amazed with a lot of it, because it’s so different from their lives today.” Treska emphasized the importance of engaging young people with history, calling them “our future.”
For those interested in attending the spring shearing, scheduling a tour, or learning more about Hunter’s Home, Treska advised visiting the Oklahoma Historical Society website and navigating to the “field sites” section. The site listing provides event details, hours, contact information, and directions. Located in Tahlequah, Hunter’s Home is within a day trip’s distance for residents of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Treska also offered a “plug for the Cherokee Nation,” highlighting the site’s connection and the numerous Cherokee museums in the area, making it an ideal location for a full day of historical exploration. Hunter’s Home is located at 19479 East Murrell Home Road, Park Hill, OK 74451.
