Sooner State News

Two years ago, Molly Hutchins, originally from Arkansas, took on a new role in Oklahoma as a historical interpreter at Hunter’s Home in Park Hill. By October 2024, she had advanced to the position of site director at Honey Springs Battlefield near Checotah. In her current role, Hutchins oversees a team of four employees managing the 1,000-acre historic site known for one of the largest documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory.

“I’ve been involved in history museums since I was 9 years old,” Hutchins stated. She grew up in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is recognized for its Civil War history. Her experience includes volunteering or working at several northwest Arkansas museums such as the Washington County Historical Society and the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. At just 16, she became a founding member of the Prairie Grove Historical Society and later served as vice president. Her professional background also includes roles as curator and operational director at the Prairie Grove Heritage Museum.

Hutchins anticipates an active year ahead at Honey Springs Battlefield with scheduled programs like a nature journaling class in March and reenactments of the Battle of Honey Springs set for November. “We also have some big projects coming soon like battlefield restorations, updates to trail signage, a new outdoor programming space and more,” she mentioned.

Additionally, Hutchins will collaborate with Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, a nonprofit organization that supports the site.

Honey Springs Battlefield is situated east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is near the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville.

The battlefield is part of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), which aims to collect, preserve and share Oklahoma's history and culture. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, OHS operates museums and historic sites throughout Oklahoma.