The Oklahoma Historical Society is excited to announce that “The Battle of Honey Spring,” a documentary depicting the largest Civil War battle to take place in present-day Oklahoma, will air on television for the first time on PBS on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

“This new film is a firstclass production that will allow us to tell the story of the battle in an engaging way for years to come,” said OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson.

On July 17, 1863, near the community of Honey Springs in the Muscogee Nation, United States and Confederate forces battled for control of Indian Territory. Brother fought against brother as members of the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations fought on both sides. Previously enslaved members of the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment fought against their former enslavers and proved themselves to their commanders as they held the center of line. Ten different American Indian tribes fought in the battle, including members of the Muscogee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole, Delaware, Kickapoo, Osage, Quapaw and Seneca tribes.

The film documents this clash and brings the past to life to preserve it for future generations.

“We are thankful to the Inasmuch Foundation for making this production possible through a grant to the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield,” said Adam Lynn, Director of Honey Springs Battlefield.

“The Battle of Honey Springs” is a Pantheon Digital Production written and directed by Bryan Beasley and produced by Jaime Roman and Jon Roman. The film stars Sidney Flack, Aaron Martin, David Burkhart, T. S. Akers, Roderick Berko, Tyler Huffman, Warren Gavitt, Jeremy Guana and Elisha Pratt.

“In addition to the actors, we have many individuals from the reenactment community to thank for their help with this production,” said Lynn. “Like the gentlemen who represented the First Kansas Regiment are from Rentiesville. Another McIntosh County connection to the film.”

Honey Springs Battlefield is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.