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On December 18 and 19, 2026, interpreter Seth Goff examines toy soldiers as both tabletop game pieces and tools for military planning, with H.G. Wells’s 1913 manual as a historical reference.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
At the center of Fort Gibson Historic Site’s “Little Wars” program is an object with two histories: toy soldiers have served as pieces in tabletop games and, historically, as tools for military planning. Site interpreter Seth Goff will discuss how the figures were made, the materials used and their place in games.
The program names H.G. Wells’s 1913 book Little Wars as its principal historical manual for war games. The book’s long subtitle markets the game to boys from 12 to 150, then describes a narrow category of girls who enjoy boys’ games and books—a period-specific view of gender and play, not an age recommendation for Fort Gibson visitors.
The announced subject is the production, materials and historical uses of toy soldiers in tabletop games. The listing does not describe a game for visitors to play, figure handling or a make-and-take activity.
Further reading: "Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · "Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗
Fort Gibson was established in 1824 with the stated aim of maintaining peace between the Osage and Cherokee. After the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the post became increasingly involved in the removal of eastern tribes to Indian Territory. Union forces later reoccupied it during the Civil War, when it was briefly known as Fort Blunt; much later, the Dawes Commission worked at the site on enrollment, focusing on Cherokee Freedmen. That layered military history gives the location context, though the Little Wars listing does not describe a reenactment of a particular episode there.
The historic site includes original buildings dating from the 1840s through the 1870s, as well as a reconstruction of an early log fort and stockade. The structures visitors can explore include stone barracks, a dogtrot cabin, a sutler store, the mess hall, commissary, garden and bakehouse; inside the palisade are barracks, a cannon and a blockhouse. Exhibits are in the visitor center, inside the historic hospital, and in the commissary.
Further reading: Fort Gibson Historic Site | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗ · Fort Gibson (fort) | Encyclopedia ↗
Fort Gibson also lists a separate Gingerbread Bake Day for Saturday, December 19. The site’s head baker will use the 1860s wood-fired oven to bake large gingerbread cookies, with decoration stations in the pre-Civil War Commissary. The listed sweets for decorating include cherry licorice laces, spice drops, peppermint medallions and candied chocolate.
The oven shapes the visit: batches come out roughly every half hour, and the Bakehouse will be closed to the public until the final batch goes in, around 2 p.m. That is worth factoring in if you also plan to explore the historic buildings while attending Little Wars.
Further reading: Fort Gibson Historic Site Gingerbread Bake Day | OHS Calendar ↗ · Fort Gibson Historic Site | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
The schedule gives both days the same interpreter-led subject. Each day is divided into morning and afternoon blocks, with a midday break; no progression or different topic between Friday and Saturday is announced.
Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19, 2026. Both days have program blocks from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.; the listing describes a break between them.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · "Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗
The event listing says Little Wars is included with site admission. Rates are: Oklahoma Historical Society members, free; adults, $10; seniors 62 and older, $8; students ages 6–18, $5; children 5 and under, free; and veterans and active military with ID, free. Family admission for up to six people is $30; the rate for groups of 10 or more is $7 per person. The listing does not specify a separate program ticket or booking step.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
Little Wars participants must check in at the Palisade admissions office, across the parade square from the entrance gate. The visitor center is a different location, inside the historic hospital.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Fort Gibson Historic Site | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
The separate Bake Day runs December 19, with cookies on sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or while supplies last. On-site decorating and take-home kits each cost $7; sales are first-come, first-served, and supplies cannot be held. On-site decorating takes place in the Commissary at 907 N. Garrison Avenue, with decoration supplies included. Take-home kits are sold at the 1870s Hospital Visitor Center at 803 N. Garrison Avenue, while supplies last; each kit includes a cookie and the decoration supplies, except frosting.
Fort Gibson Historic Site Gingerbread Bake Day | OHS Calendar ↗
The program takes place outside climate-controlled areas. The organizer advises dressing for December cold.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗
The site’s listed phone number is 918-478-4088.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
Check in at the Palisade admissions office, across the parade square from the entrance gate. The visitor center inside the historic hospital is a separate stop.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Fort Gibson Historic Site | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
The confirmed destination is 803 North Garrison Avenue, Fort Gibson, OK 74434. The official visit page provides a map link that can calculate directions from your starting point; its captured information does not specify transit routes or parking details.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
The listing describes an interpreter-led examination of toy soldiers and their historical uses. It does not announce visitor gameplay or hands-on figure activities.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗
Both dates list the same subject and interpreter; no progression or separate topic is announced.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · "Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗
At the Palisade admissions office across the parade square from the entrance gate, not at the visitor center inside the historic hospital.
"Little Wars: Toy Soldiers for Training and Gaming" program | OHS Calendar ↗ · Fort Gibson Historic Site | Oklahoma Historical Society ↗
803 North Garrison Avenue, Fort Gibson, OK 74434
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-11-01 against the linked sources.