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Teddy Roosevelt to Appear at History Center July 8

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

06/28/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center invites you to step back in time to 1915 and meet a bully of a president as Teddy Roosevelt makes an appearance on Thursday July 8th. The Oklahoma History Center will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The museum gift shop and first floor galleries will be open. Seating is first come and features free admission.

Roosevelt dives into his family's experiences in the White House, his adventures as a rancher and cowboy on the Dakota Plains, his experiences in Oklahoma Territory on the great wolf hunt, life in Cuba with the Rough Riders, and more!

Theodore Roosevelt will be portrayed by Gib Young. Mr. Young is a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and the Mt. Rushmore Society. He has portrayed President Roosevelt for 10 years across the country for historical societies, schools, libraries, museums, and more.

For more information on An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt please contact Jason Harris by email at jharris@okhistory.org or call (405) 522-0785.

Oklahoma History Center Presents Oklahomans in the World Series

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0875

08/09/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars for a special program with Fritz Buckallew, Carl Hubbell biographer, at the Oklahoma History Center. This special programming is hosted by the museum and 46 Starr Press on Thursday October 7, 2010. Admission is Free. The museum will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM.

This program will look at a number of Oklahoma's major league players and focus on Carl Hubbell and his World Series record. Hubbell made World Series appearances in 1933, 1936, and 1937 and won MVP in 1936 and 1937. Hubbell found his way onto the All Star Team nine times before his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947.

Yearly reporters asked him about his legendary moment at the 1934 All-Star Game. He had scored five consecutive strikeouts there: a feat for the ages, considering that all five of the batters he bested were to become among the brightest figures in baseball's Hall of Fame. Lou Gehrig, Joe Cronin, Al Simmons, Jimmie Foxx, and Babe Ruth all failed to master Hub's baffling screwball while the crowd was hushed in disbelief.

Biographer Fritz Buckallew will be available to sign copies of his book, A Pitcher's Moment: Carl Hubbell And the Quest for Baseball Immortality. The book chronicles Carl Hubbell's rise from an Oklahoma village through fifteen years of major league pitching excellence. The book also looks at his influence beyond that as a top executive with his Giants (in New York and San Francisco). It's a compelling tale of a pitcher who became much more than a baseball player.

For more information on Okies and the World Series please contact Jason Harris at 405-522-0785 or by email at jharris@okhistory.org.

Oklahoma History Center Presents: October Family History Month

Jennifer Towry
(405) 522-4019

09/22/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The OHS Research Center is offering a month of activities at the Oklahoma History Center including a book sale, workshop and Lunch & Learn Lectures!
This is an opportunity to learn more about the resources in the Research Library at the history center particularly for those interested in tracing their family genealogy. The OHS Research Center is open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 4:45pm.

The October events include the following:

Book Sale September 30 to October 2

Don't miss our biggest book sale of the year! The sale includes books on a variety of topics including history, geology, education, genealogy, and more. Shop for rare and out of print books as well as microfilm, maps, photos, CDs, records and videos. The book sale runs 10am to 4:45pm Thursday & Friday; 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

Oklahoma! The Land We Belong to is Grand! October 23

Saturday, October 23 from 10:15am to 3:45pm. Early registration is $40; after October 1 registration is $45. Lunch is included. Pre-registration required.

Sessions:
Treaties & Allotment: The Opening of the Indian Territory 1830-1906 Explore the settlement of the Indian Territory, the occupants and the distribution of land by various means including laws, acts, treaties and allotments.
Learn about finding the records and sources to help identify individuals who resided in the territory.

Boomers & Sooners Those who opened the land by legal and not so legal means, including intruders in Oklahoma Territory.

Runners & Strippers Land and towns that were opened by runs, including 1889 and 1893.

Lottery Winners & High Bidders In 1901 over two million acres of surplus property belonging the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribes were distributed by lottery. In 1906 the Big Pasture, which had been set aside, was open for bid. Learn the mechanics of the lottery and the bidding and how to access records that identify the participants.

Lunch & Learn Lecture - Finding the Girls - Wednesday, October 6 from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Pre-registration is required; $10, lunch included.

Back by popular demand! Persons researching their families for any length of time have encountered the problems with researching females. In our society, their names change with marriage. And in the past, females could not own property or enter into contracts, which makes locating them in legal records even more difficult. So, what's a researcher to do? Learn how to consider the times and some of the techniques for researching the females in your family with Research Division Librarian Debra Spindle, PhD.

Lunch & Learn Lecture - Research in the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations:
Indians, Intruders and Intermarriage -Tuesday, October 26 from 11:30am to 1pm. Registration is $10, lunch included.

This program includes a history of Choctaw and Chickasaw removals, the first settlements, their participation in the Civil War and the formation of their governments. Learn about the role of intermarried citizens, intruders and other non-citizens and the vast resources available to researchers.

Pre-registration required for workshop and lunch & learns. To register by phone call 405-522-5225; please have your credit card ready. For more information visit www.okhistory.org/research or call (405) 522-5225.

"Oklahoma History Center Announces Student Art Contest "Faces of Oklahoma: Notable Oklahomans & Their Accomplishments""

Jennifer Towry
(405) 522-4019

09/21/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Oklahoma History Center Announces Student Art Contest "Faces of Oklahoma:
Notable Oklahomans & Their Accomplishments"

The theme for this year's contest is Faces of Oklahoma: Notable Oklahomans and Their Accomplishments. Students are invited to enter artwork featuring Oklahomans from entertainers and musicians, to politicians and leaders, historical figures, innovators, artists, authors, and more! This contest is open to students grades 1-5, 6-8 and 9-12. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. The contest is open from September 20 - October 29, 2010

Entries will be judged on relation to the theme, creativity and technique.
Winners will be announced on November 19 on the OHS Kids! section of the website at www.okhistory.org/kids. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each category. All entries will be displayed on the website. Winners and honorable mentions will be exhibited at the Oklahoma History Center beginning November 19, 2010. This contest is sponsored by Triangle A&E.

Prizes are: 1st Place - $50 Gift Certificate to Triangle A&E, a one-year Oklahoma Historical Society Family Membership and a History Center T-Shirt.
For 2nd Place - History Center T-Shirt, and 1 Family Pass to the Oklahoma History Center. And for 3rd Place - 1 Family Pass to the Oklahoma History Center.

For complete details, rules and entry forms visit www.okhistory.org/kids.
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Towry at 405-522-4019, Shea Otley at 405-522-4485 or emailed to kids@okhistory.org.

Oklahoma History Center Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Free Admission on Saturday, November 27

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

11/16/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Avoid the chaos of post-Thanksgiving shopping and gather the entire family for a FREE visit to the Oklahoma History Center! In celebration of our 5th year anniversary, all guests will be admitted free on Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Just five years after the doors opened, the Oklahoma History Center surpasses its 1-millionth visitor. In addition to daily visitors, the museum provides educational services that have impacted more the 330,000 children and adults. This includes field trips, living history programs, educational trunks, and other special events that creatively teach Oklahoma history.

"This is our way of saying 'thank you' to Oklahoma and all of our guests for making the Oklahoma History Center and its exhibitions and programs a huge success," said Museum Director Dan Provo. "We are looking forward to serving the state for many years to come. Please join us on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and spend some stress-free time with the family. We offer five galleries that explore the richness of Oklahoma history, a wonderful gift shop with something for everyone. In addition, the Winnie Mae Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and soups. Come and celebrate with us!"

Since opening in November of 2005, the Oklahoma History Center has continued to collect, preserve and share the history of Oklahoma through artifacts and interpretation. In the special exhibits gallery, visitors can learn about some of the extraordinary musicians who are from our great state and how they changed the national and international music scene ("Another Hot Oklahoma Night"). Learn about the many cartoonists who were born in Oklahoma and gave their talent to the world in an uncanny way. The famous comic strip Dick Tracy and many others were produced from the creative minds of Oklahomans ("The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists"). Other galleries include the history of American Indians, politics, the land run, African Americans, and oil and gas, and so much more! There is something for everyone and for all areas of interest.

The Oklahoma History Center houses the Oklahoma Museum of History, the administration of the Oklahoma Historical Society and its Research Division. For more information about all the different types of educational programs, and upcoming events visit www.okhistorycenter.org or call (405) 522-0765. Located just east of the Capitol, the Oklahoma History Center is on the corner of Northeast 23rd and Laird in Oklahoma City and is open Monday through Saturday 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Oklahoma Historical Society Announces Student Art Contest Winners

Jennifer Towry
(405) 522-4019

11/19/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Winners have been announced in the Oklahoma Historical Society's Faces of Oklahoma: Notable Oklahomans and Their Accomplishments student art contest. This year's theme highlighted the many faces that represent Oklahoma, from entertainers and musicians, to politicians and leaders, historical figures, innovators, artists, authors, and more. The contest was open to students grades 1-5, 6-8 and 9-12 and drew entries from across the state.

The Oklahoma Historical Society will announce another contest for school children soon. "We are very gratified at the response we have received to our contest," said Jennifer Towry, special projects coordinator. "We are looking forward to more opportunities to engage students in learning about our state's history."

First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions are now on display at the Oklahoma History Center. All contest entries are on display on the OHS website www.okhistory.org/kids. This contest was sponsored in part by Triangle A&E.

The winners are as follows:
Grades 1-5
1st: Elora Carder, Afton, Age 9 - "Wes Studi"
2nd: Thomas Buchanan, Newalla, Age 7 - "Chester Gould/Dick Tracy"
3rd: Gabe, Age 10 - "Wiley Post"
Honorable Mention: Macy Courter, Enid, Age 9 - "Governor Brad Henry"

Grades 6-8
1st: Quintin Parrott, Lone Grove, Age 14 - "Will Rogers"
2nd: Hope Patterson, Kingfisher, Age 13 -"Reba McEntire"
3rd: Madyson Price, Lone Grove, Age 13 - "Shannon Miller"
Honorable Mention: Tess Childers, Tahlequah, Age 12 - "Carrie Underwood"

Grades 9-12
1st: Hannah Weaver, Inola, Age 16 - "Wiley Post"
2nd: Tyler Crenshaw, Boynton, Age 16 - "Leroy Gordon Cooper"
3rd: Noel, Age 15 - "Reba McEntire"
Honorable Mention: Carli Bishop, Harrah, Age 14 - "All American Rejects"

For more information, contact Jennifer Towry at (405) 522-4019.

Holiday Spirit arrives at Chisholm Trail Museum and Governor Seay Mansion

AJ Seay Home
(405) 375-5176

12/07/10
Kingfisher, OK
For Immediate Release

In the Netherlands St. Nicholas is known as Sinterklaas. Dutch children are told that he arrives from Spain on a steamer on his feast day, December 6. The night before, they fill their shoes with hay and sugar for his horse, and in the morning the children awake to find them filled with gifts such as nuts and candy.

The Chisholm Trail Museum and Governor Seay Mansion invites visitors to come and learn about Christmas around the world. Throughout December the museum and mansion will sport their holiday finery and on Sunday, December 12, will host the annual Open House from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Pioneer Village will provide guest with a taste of what Christmas was like on the prairie more than a hundred years ago. Visitors will be able to visualize families decorating their cedar trees using such items as bits of cloth and dried apples.

The halls of the museum will be decked out with trees decorated by area students.

The Seay Mansion will be adorned with ornaments befitting the beautiful 1892 Victorian home. A special treat will be waiting for mansion guests. The Gift Givers representing the traditions of many countries will be visiting again this year from 2 to 4 p.m. They will be wearing the beautiful costumes of their homeland, and each will be telling their own story.

From the log cabins to the Victorian mansion and spaces in between, there will be a feast for the eyes and soul--and even some refreshments!

The museum and mansion are located at 605 Zellers Avenue, Kingfisher. Hours of operation are: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, contact (405) 375-5176.

Oklahoma Historical Society
A.J. Seay Home
605 Zellers Avenue
Kingfisher, OK 73750-4228

Fort Gibson to Host Candlelight Tours

Chris Morgan
(918) 478-4088

12/08/10
Fort Gibson, OK
For Immediate Release

Fort Gibson Historic Site is taking reservations for the 2010 edition of its Candlelight Tours. The tours will take place on Saturday, December 11, between 6 and 9 p.m., with tour groups starting approximately every fifteen minutes.

This year's production is entitled "This Land is Whose Land?" and is set in 1824. Visitors will see the fort during its first year and hear the views of the officers, enlisted men, government officials, and tribal leaders about what was happening in the surrounding region during that time.

The year 1824 was a turbulent time for what would become eastern Oklahoma. While it appeared that the area had become the western part of Arkansas Territory, the issue was by no means permanently settled. There were many who wanted the region set aside for other purposes. While debates were held and decisions were made, the army and Fort Gibson were considered necessary to keep the peace and order.

Admission for tours is $7, and reservations are required. For reservations or more information, contact 918/478-4088 or fortgibson@okhistory.org.

Murrell Home Hosts Christmas Open House

David Fowler
(918) 456-2751

12/06/10
Park Hill, OK
For Immediate Release

The historic Murrell Home at Park Hill will be hosting its 10th Annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 12, 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors are invited to tour the 1845 mansion and learn about Christmas customs of the mid-Victorian period. The halls will be decked in Christmas fashions of the 1800s.

This year's theme is "Cherokees and Freemasonry." A special exhibit will highlight the Cherokees' rich history with the Masonic order. George Murrell's Masonic vestments will be showcased in the library of the home. Live music and craft demonstrations will take place throughout the day. The Friends of the Murrell Home will sponsor a reception with refreshments.

The Murrell Home Christmas Open House is free and open to the public, but donations will be appreciated.

The historic site is located three miles south of Tahlequah at 19479 E. Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. The home was built in 1845 as the residence of George and Minerva (Ross) Murrell, and it is a National Historic Landmark. For more information, contact (918) 456-2751 or murrellhome@okhistory.org.

History Center to Show Movie on Electric Guitar History

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

12/14/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

On Saturday, December 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will present the movie Electrified: The Guitar Revolution. Produced by the Smithsonian Channel, the movie details the history of the world's most popular musical instrument--the electric guitar. The movie's story line ranges from the early days of the "Model U" and Rickenbacker Frying Pan to the modern days with guitars made by Fender and Gibson. Electrified tells the fascinating history with vintage footage, interviews with rock historians, and live performances on the electric guitar.

Admission is free. For more information, call (405) 522-0972 or email ttoney@okhistory.

Santa to visit Peter Conser Historic Home This Saturday

Peter Conser Home
(918) 653-2493

12/09/10
Heavener, OK
For Immediate Release

The Peter Conser Historic Home is pleased to announce a very special visit from Santa! On Saturday, December 18, from 1 to 5 p.m, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will be visiting the Peter Conser Home! Come see Santa, who will be dressed in late nineteenth-century clothing. Bring a camera to take your picture with him in this historic setting. Then enjoy the historic home, decorated for the holidays, with Mrs. Clause playing Christmas carols on her Appalachian dulcimer. End your visit with cookies and hot apple cider on the back porch.

Donations will be gratefully accepted and will go toward the upkeep of the Peter Conser Historic Home. The site is located at: 47114 Conser Creek Road, Heavener, OK, 74937. For additional information, please call (918) 653-2493 or email breid@okhistory.org. Come see Santa; he'll be looking for you!

Christmas Open House at Sod House Museum

Renee Mitchell
(580) 463-2441

12/10/10
Aline, OK
For Immediate Release

Christmas Open House at the Sod House Museum will be held Saturday, December 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. Come and see the vintage Santas and enjoy the Christmas carols they will be singing. Friends of the Sod House will be serving cookies and hot cider.

The Santa Clause of twentieth-century America is the legacy of Christian tradition, ancient and modern social customs, centuries-old legends, historical facts, and the conception of a long line of writers and artists on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Oklahoma Historical Society developed this holiday program that depicts many of the historic Santas, who tell their own part of the Santa Clause story. They dress authentically in their time period and country of origin. This year the Santas also will be singing Christmas carols for visitors to the Sod House Museum. Come join the celebration and visit Grandfather Frost, Babushka, Black Peter, Weihnachtsmann, La Befana, Saint Nicholas, and other Santas.

The Sod House Museum is located north of Cleo Springs on State Highway 8. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact (580) 463-2441 or sodhouse@okhistory.org.

Winter Solstice Walks at Spiro Mounds

Dennis Peterson
(918) 962-2062

12/11/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

At Spiro Mounds on Tuesday, December 21, archaeologist and site manager Dennis Peterson will lead guided tours starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Each walk will take about two hours and will require a mile a easy walking.

During each tour Mr. Peterson will tell about this unique prehistoric American Indian mound site, the types of mounds, why they were created, and why some of the mounds are lined up for the sunsets of the solstices and equinoxes. He will share the history of the site's excavations, American Indian ceremonies and stories, and tales of unusual events associated with the mounds. For those wishing to see the sunset, the 2 p.m. walk will end just before sunset, which is when the alignment will take place.

You are invited to come to Spiro Mounds to experience one of the most unique historical sites in the United States as seen through the eyes of an archaeologist.

The fee for the tours is $3 for adults and $2 for children. No reservations are required unless you are bringing a large group. Be certain to dress for the weather.

Spiro Mounds is located at 18154 First Street in Spiro. For more information contact (918) 962-2062 or spiro@okhistory.org.

Bob Barry Book Signing This Saturday at Oklahoma History Center

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

12/13/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Bob Barry has earned his title "The Legend." He is now in his 50th consecutive year of doing play-by-play in Oklahoma-30 years at OU, 18 years at Oklahoma State, and one year at the University of Tulsa. His story is told in the book "The Voice of Bedlam-the Life of Bob Barry." Book was co-authored by Bob Burke and Michael Dean, both of whom have a long time relationship with Barry. All three will be at the Oklahoma History Center Saturday December 18th the sign the book from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burke first began working with Barry in the fall of 1966, his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. Barry was still working fulltime at KNOR Radio in Norman. Burke was inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame last spring. Dean has been producer/engineer/announcer for the OU Sooner football and basketball networks for 20 years. Burke and Dean graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1966 and both worked at KBEL Radio in Idabel their junior and senior years and became familiar with Barry during that time. Dean has been the Public Relations Director for the Oklahoma Historical Society for nearly eight years.

2010 Ends With New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Lynda Schwan
(405) 522-4478

12/27/10
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce seven new National Register of Historic Places listings. The newest listings from Oklahoma include three archeological sites and multiple historic districts in Tulsa. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation's official list of properties significant in our past.

The three archeological sites are located along the Red River and represent the poorly understood Henrietta phase, A.D. 1200-1450. The presence of intact cultural deposits and subsurface features indicates these sites have the potential to provide important information on the activities of groups in the Red River basin 600-800 years ago. From the investigations it appears that the sites can provide information concerning the diet, tool industry, village layout, and other aspects of villager life in the Red River area.

The Henrietta phase has not been archaeologically investigated as much as other southern Plains Village complexes, especially in Oklahoma. These sites have the potential to answer many basic questions concerning the Henrietta phase and the lifestyle of these people. All three nominations were prepared by Richard Drass and Elizabeth Martin with the Oklahoma Archeological Survey.

In Tulsa, three historic district nominations were prepared by Cathy Ambler, Ph.D. of Tulsa and Rosin Preservation of Kansas City, Missouri for the City of Tulsa. The KATY Railroad Historic District located roughly along W. Easton and the old KATY Railroad Right-of-Way, between N. Cheyenne and N. Boston Avenues is significant in the area of Commerce. The historic district lies just north of the former rail bed of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (KATY) Railroad tracks and documents the expansion of commercial and industrial development that followed the construction of this rail line to Tulsa in 1902. The period of significance for the KATY District, 1913 - 1964, begins with the construction of the oldest extant building in the district and ends in 1964, when removal of the KATY railroad tracks signified the end of the railroad transportation era in this area of Tulsa.

The second Tulsa nomination is the North Cheyenne Avenue Historic District located roughly along E./W. Frisco Tracks & Alley between W. Archer and W. Brady Streets; N. Denver and Alley between N. Cheyenne and N. Boulder. It is significant for its association with Commerce. Located between the tracks of the Frisco and Sand Springs railroads, the North Cheyenne Historic District developed as a commercial, industrial and warehouse area during the 1920s oil boom as businesses sought access to trackside locations offered by the two flanking railroad lines. The period of significance for the North Cheyenne Historic District, c. 1908 - 1956, begins with the construction of the oldest extant building in the district and ends in 1956 with construction of the Frisco overpasses, the last contributing structures to the district.

The third Tulsa nomination is the Oil Capital Historic District located roughly between 3rd and 7th Streets and Cincinnati and Cheyenne Avenues. The district is significant for its role in commerce. Development of the Oil Capital Historic District began following the discovery of oil near Tulsa just after 1900 and continued virtually unabated into the late 1960s. The high-style buildings of the Oil Capital Historic District form Tulsa's distinctive downtown skyline and set this area of the city apart from other parts of the community.

Finally, the Main Public Library in Oklahoma City, located at 131 Dean McGee Avenue, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is significant for its association with public education efforts of the 1950s. Public libraries provided critical services for the community that contributed to the broad pattern of education. In addition to loaning books, the Main Public Library had available for loan projected books, films, framed pictures and recordings. Not only was the Main Public Library the seat of library service in Oklahoma City during the period, it was unique in its architectural expression through the use of gray colored, cast stone panels and its relative lack of ornamental detail. The period of significance for the Main Public Library extends from 1951 to 1954 representing the years of construction of the building through the formal dedication of the library.

Listing in the National Register is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates, and nominates properties for this special designation.

For detailed information, contact Lynda Schwan at 405/522-4478 or email lschwan@okhistory.org.

An Evening with Dr. Chaik

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

01/03/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening with Dr. James Craik at the Oklahoma History Center on Friday, January 7, 2011. The museum doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. The program is free, seating is first come and open to the public.

Doctor James Craik was the first Physician General of the United States, George Washington's personal physician, and his long-time friend. Dr. Craik and General Washington served together in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Dr. Craik was with General Washington when he passed on December 14, 1799.

An Evening with Dr. Craik is made possible through the partnership of the Oklahoma History Center and George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. The two entities have partnered along with several other statewide groups over the last three years bring the history of our nation's first president to life for the students and citizens of Oklahoma.

For more information please visit our website www.okhistorycenter.org or call 405-522-0765.

John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park Announces Hours of Operation

Sheryl Lovelady
(405) 325-4934

01/04/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park is now open to the public with winter hours of operation.

The John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and the Oklahoma Historical Society have been working throughout the construction process to insure the park's completion and opening to the public. The park will be open Thursdays thru Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. The park charges no admission fee. The three-acre park is located between North Elgin and Detroit avenues across from ONEOK Field in Tulsa.

Reconciliation Park is the result of the 2001 Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. It memorializes the Tulsa Race Riot, called the worst civic disturbance in American history. The Park was constructed to reflect the work and legacy of acclaimed civil rights leader and historian Dr. John Hope Franklin. Franklin devoted his life and work to teaching generations of students how understanding the past can transform lives and communities for the better. The art pieces in the park tell the story of African Americans' role in building Oklahoma.

"Completing this park has been a long journey," said Julius Pegues, Board Chairman of the John Hope Franklin Center. "Our hope is that people of all ages come here to reflect, to learn, and to cast their eyes to a more hopeful future."

The park features two primary art elements, created by Ed Dwight, the first African-American astronaut and prominent Denver artist. They are:

Hope Plaza - The Park entry's 16-foot granite structure contains three larger-than-life bronze sculptures representing actual pictures from the 1921 riot: Hostility - A white man fully armed for assault; Humiliation - A black man with his hands raised in surrender; and Hope - The white director of the Red Cross holding a black baby.

The Tower of Reconciliation - At the center of the Park, the 25-foot-tall memorial tower depicts the history of the African American struggle from Africa to America - from the migration of slaves with Native Americans on the Trail of Tears, the slave labor experience in the Territories, the 7th Kansas Regiment of Civil War soldiers who won the Battle of Honey Springs - to statehood, the immigration of free blacks into Oklahoma and the all-black towns and Greenwood. It honors Buck C. Franklin (prominent black attorney and Dr. Franklin's father) and other early Tulsa black leaders.

More information about the park and the work of the John Hope Franklin Center can be found at www.jhfcenter.org.

Tulsan Karen Keith Now Member of Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

01/27/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The newest member of the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors is Tulsan Karen Keith.

Keith is currently serving as a Tulsa county commissioner having been elected to that post in 2008. Previously Karen was the longtime news anchor at KRJH TV (Channel 2-NBC) having worked there for 21 years. She hosted the award winning program "Oklahoma Living."

She left Channel 2 to join the staff of Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune in 2002 where she served as his Director of Community Relations and helped implement Vision 2025. In 2006 she left the Mayor's office to become the Director of Partnership Development for the Metro Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. In February of 2008, she announced her candidacy for Tulsa County Commissioner, District 2.

Keith currently serves on the Tulsa City County Library Commission and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In her capacity as County Commissioner, Keith chairs the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority and serves on the Juvenile Trust Authority as well as the Downtown Tulsa Coordinating Council. Keith is also a member and former board member for the Rotary Club of Tulsa, member of Class XX Leadership Oklahoma, and a member of The Oklahoma Academy. She is also a former appointee to the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center to Open April 1

Andi Holland, Director
(580) 237-1907 x223

01/28/11
Enid, Oklahoma
For Immediate Release

All is in order, now is the time and the date is set! The public is invited to celebrate the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center's grand opening April 1 at 11 a.m., 507 S. 4th Street in Enid, Oklahoma. The Enid community working in partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society created the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center to tell the extraordinary stories of settling the Cherokee Strip and share the inspiring lessons of leadership with future generations.

"Enid has a history that reflects the courage and tenacity of American pioneers," said Lew Ward, board chairman of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. "The center's collection shares these stories and the history of the area through engaging exhibits and a Smithsonian-quality experience."

At the center, visitors learn about the 1893 Land Run – the largest land run in American history opening 6 million acres to settlement. Visitor's also explore how the Cherokee Strip was formed, life on the prairie, the Dust Bowl, area railroads, agricultural development, the discovery and development of the oil industry and Phillip's University, the first private university in the state.

On Sept. 16, 1893, Enid's only permanent structure was the newly constructed U.S. Land Office. By sundown, an estimated 10,000 people inhabited the new town. The center's living history area, Humphrey Heritage Village features the U.S. Land Office as well as other authentic historical buildings including a 1902 Church, an 1895 one-room school, Turkey Creek School, and the 1905 Victorian home and family belongings of J.W. and Alice Glidewell. Visitors touring the Village get a comprehensive look at what it was like to live in the Cherokee Strip in the early 1900s.

A property of the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Heritage Center itself is a magnificent 24,000 sq. ft. facility featuring five exhibit galleries, 2,000 sq. ft. of rotating exhibit space, a theater, a research center, a visitor center and a regionally-inspired gift shop featuring local artisans' products to Hollywood films about the pioneer experience.

"Several years ago, we recognized the need to create a much larger, more comprehensive museum in Enid," said Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of Oklahoma Historical Society. "From that need, we created the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. We hope someday to be able to create similar regional heritage centers throughout the state using this as the model. We appreciate the local support of the Enid community, which made the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center possible."

In 2005, community leaders began an $8 million capital campaign to create a regional attraction to equal the amazing story to be told. To date, the campaign has raised over $10 million through strong community support for the project.

"Individuals, companies and organizations throughout the state contributed to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center campaign," said April Danahy, chairman of community relations committee. "This has been a collaborative effort from the start, and we are thrilled to celebrate the heritage center's opening with the public."

Admission costs to the center are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 to 6, and free for ages 5 and younger.

About Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is an institutional leader which presents the region's rich heritage through discovery, learning and inspiring leadership; celebrates and commemorates the spirit of the Cherokee Strip Pioneers and relates that spirit to the present and the future; serves other heritage organizations with the common goal of better understanding the history and culture of the Cherokee Strip; and collects, preserves and presents the history of Northwest Oklahoma with emphasis on explaining why history matters. For more information, go to www.csrhc.org or call (580) 237-1907.

About Oklahoma Historical Society
For more than 100 years, the Oklahoma Historical Society has strived to protect, chronicle and share the history of our great state. The Oklahoma Historical Society maintains more than 20 museums and historic sites and five affiliates located throughout Oklahoma. Intriguing destinations, including historic homes, military sites, and museums, offer a unique glimpse into Oklahoma's past. For more information, go to www.okhistory.org or call (405) 521-2491.

An Evening with Thomas Jefferson

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

02/03/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening with President Jefferson at the Oklahoma History Center on March 3, 2011. The museum doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. Seating is first come and open to the public.

Join us for a special living history program featuring one of our nation's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Bill Barker, one of the country's best Jefferson interpreters, will appear for one night only at the History Center. Barker currently serves as Colonial Williamsburg's Thomas Jefferson and makes appearances across the country. Bill has enjoyed portraying Thomas Jefferson in a variety of settings over the past twenty years. He first came to Williamsburg in the spring of 1993 to perform as Jefferson in a film made to honor Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg. He has continued to appear as Jefferson for Colonial Williamsburg and assists in the development of Jefferson programs for the Foundation.

Over the years he has evolved a repertoire of Jefferson presentations tailored to corporate and government audiences, as well as schools, societies, and festivals. Bill performed as Jefferson at the White House, the Palace of Versailles and throughout the United States, Great Britain, France and the Las Vegas Strip! He presented for Chautauqua and has been featured as Jefferson in several magazines including Time, People, Atlantic, Philadelphia, Southern Living, Reader's Digest, and the Colonial Williamsburg Journal.

During his visit President Jefferson will visit with museum guests on such topics as life in the new nation, his term as President, and the Louisiana Purchase. The speech will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

For more information please visit our website www.okhistorycenter.org or call 405-522-0765.

History Center Presents 2011 Family Saturdays

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

02/01/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is offering events targeted to families with children. These new Saturday programs run January through October on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Families from across the state are invited to explore the unique history of Oklahoma and other historic topics through living history, activities, scavenger hunts, crafts, and more.

The new programs are designed to engage young visitors and let families explore together. Family programming goes hand–in–hand with the museum's mission to collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma history. The goal is to inspire our young patrons, to educate them, and to entertain. Family Saturdays are themed and offer a variety of hands–on activities for all ages.

Upcoming themes include:

February –Presidents' Day: The staff will help children perform their own living history as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, or Theodore Roosevelt. A special scavenger hunt will help visitors locate artifacts by presidential period.
March – Cowboy Round–Up: The staff will pull out all the stops setting up an 1870s cowboy camp. Children are encouraged to dress as cowboys and cowgirls and compete in a costume contest. The winner will receive a family membership#33; Activities will include roping, branding, cowboy cooking, coloring, and more.
April – Pioneer Days: Join us for a glimpse at life circa 1889. Kids are encouraged to dress as pioneers and compete in a costume contest. The winner will receive a family membership! Activities will include yard games, pioneer tools, and more.
May – Call to Arms: Once again we will have a variety of military reenactors and living historians representing numerous periods in American History. The WWII Airborne Demonstration team and the Fort Sill Artillery will again join us for this fun–filled day. Admission for the day will be just $10.00 per vehicle.
June – Cultural Day: Our family Saturday program for June will focuson the cultures that make Oklahoma unique. Individuals from around the world call our state home. Come explore our state's unique heritage through crafts and activities.
July – Colonial Days: Join us for a patriotic salute to our Colonial Past. Children are encouraged to dress as Colonials and compete in a costume contest. The winner will receive a family membership! Activities include games, lantern making, coloring, and more.
August – Back to School Days: Join us for a look at classroom activities from a variety of decades. Included are school yard games, penmanship, and more.
September – Septemberfest – Tentatively scheduled for September 10th: Join us and the Governor's Mansion for a host of special activities for kids and families. The History Center will have demonstrations and living history activities from a variety of time periods, crafts, and more.
October – Fall Festival: This year we would like to begin a new tradition of having a fall festival filled with activities from days past. Children are encouraged to dress for the day and compete in a costume contest. The winner will receive a free family membership! Activities include pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss, games, and more.

For more information, call 405–522–0765 or go to www.okhistorycenter.org.

History Center Presents Third Thursdays

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

02/02/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars and join us each month for a glimpse into the past at Third Thursdays. This new Oklahoma History Center program will bring the rich history of our state to you through a series of lectures and discussions. Each month the museum will open its doors at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free.

The evening programs throughout the year will cover a broad range of historical topics.

February - Fanaticism in the Heartland: Anti-Communism in Oklahoma, 1950-51
This presentation about anti-Communism in Oklahoma during the height of the national hysteria will focus primarily on two events, the firing of Librarian Ruth Brown from the Bartlesville Public Library in 1950 and the 1951 Oklahoma Loyalty Oath Controversy.

March - TBD

April - Oklahoma Weather
Join KFOR News Channel 4's very own Mike Morgan as we look at Oklahoma and the weather. Oklahoma is home to the extremes of weather and has played a unique role in the development of modern forecasting and meteorology.

May - The Road to War: the Missouri Compromise, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and John Brown's Raid
This presentation will help kick off the celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War in Oklahoma. Join us as we begin a series of discussions focusing on the Civil War over the next 5 years. This program will set the stage and discuss the road to secession and war.

June - TBD

July - TBD

August - Oklahoma Tourism along Route 66: Pioneers, Perseverance, Community, and Freedom
A 2007 Zogby International Survey found that nearly one-third of Americans surveyed did not know enough about Oklahoma to form positive or negative opinions. As state politicians and tourism officials noted, a void of opinion creates opportunities to convey new descriptions of Oklahoma to outsiders. Come discover what researches discovered as they made their way to cultural heritage museums along Route 66.

September - Why America Slept: Isolationism 1920-1938
This program will look at the mood of the American people in the '20s and '30s. As Nazi Germany grew in power America was in the midst of the Isolationist movement. Come and find out the opinions of the public, politicians, and more, as well as how the Munich Crisis helped to sway opinion.

Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Seeks Nominations for 2011 Higher Education Hall of Fame

Marvanna Millican Perry, Executive Secretary
(405) 522-0778

02/26/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, established in 1991 as a nonprofit to support awareness of higher education's vital role in Oklahoma history, is now accepting applications for the 2011 Higher Education Hall of Fame to be held October 11, 2011.

The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to recognize and honor individuals, living and deceased, for outstanding meritorious service to higher education in Oklahoma. In these past eighteen years 179 individuals have been inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been employed by one or more institutions of public and private higher education in Oklahoma on a full-time basis for a minimum of ten years. Individuals not so employed, but who have performed outstanding service to higher education in the state, or organizations or institutions, are also eligible for consideration, such service to be above and beyond financial contributions. Each year the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society may elect to give a Special Award of Merit for distinguished contributions to higher education to an individual, organization, or institution deemed worthy of recognition. Biographical sketches and photos of all Higher Education Hall of Fame inductees, past and present, are displayed in the higher education exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center and can also be found on the Society's website (www.ohehs.org).

The formal induction ceremony and banquet will be held on October 11, 2011 at the Jim Thorpe Museum and Sports Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. A nomination form and guidelines can be found on the Oklahoma Higher Education website (www.ohehs.org). Nominations for 2011 must be postmarked by March 18, 2011.

For more information about the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame or the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, please visit: www.ohehs.org or call 405-522-0778.

Media Advisory

Michael Dean

03/08/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

March 8, 2011

Media Advisory

WHERE: OSU Tulsa Campus - Main Hall, 700 North Greenwood Avenue, Tulsa

WHEN: Friday afternoon, March 11 at 1:30

WHAT: Opening of "Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock & Roll Exhibit" in Tulsa. This exhibit focuses on the many recording artists, song writers, and record producers from Tulsa who have worked in the field of Rock and Roll music from its beginning to the present.

WHO: Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Project Director Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture Jeff Moore, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Jr., Oklahoma State University-Tulsa President Howard G. Barnett, Jr.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:In addition to the grand opening of this exhibit, an important and exciting announcement regarding the Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture will also be made.

Oklahoma Historical Society Announces the Bob Wills Collection and Another Hot Oklahoma Night-A Rock & Roll Exhibit To Open At Oklahoma State University-Tulsa

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

03/11/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma Historical Society makes two announcements today. The family of Bob Wills is donating his collection to the Oklahoma Historical Society. And the popular exhibit Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock & Roll Exhibit will open to the public this afternoon with a special ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Main Hall, 700 North Greenwood Avenue. The award-winning exhibit previously was featured at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

As the Oklahoma Historical Society develops a new museum devoted to Oklahoma music and popular culture in Tulsa's Brady Arts District, new stories and artifact collections are being researched. Today, the Bob Wills family is announcing the donation of the Bob Wills Collection to be a cornerstone for the new museum. The collection consists of more than 350 photographs, 100s of letters, documents, and promotional pieces, and numerous objects including fiddles, clothing, awards, personal items, along with a humidor of Wills' trademark cigars. The Bob Wills Heritage Foundation is also donating a rare and unique collection of 130 WWII-era glass recordings and 35 reel to reels of Bob Wills live performances. This collection was assembled and preserved by Casey Dickens.

Bob Wills connection to Tulsa's Cain's Ballroom and his influence on music is an international story. These artifacts, photographs, and documents, will further the efforts of the Oklahoma Historical Society in collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Oklahoma's significant contribution to popular culture.

The exhibit begins with the early musical innovators like Bob Wills, Woody Guthrie, and Charlie Christian and also explores the Rock and Roll artists, musicians, song writers and producers who have called Oklahoma home. Beyond the facts of each story, the exhibit shows how growing up in Oklahoma affected the music. These stories are displayed in an innovative style to encourage visitor participation and ensure our visitors will take away a new perspective on the history of Rock and Roll in Oklahoma.

Many of the artists spotlighted in the exhibit are Tulsans or have called Tulsa home. Principal among them is Leon Russell who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. The exhibit also features a number of Tulsans who got their start recording with Leon in Los Angeles and Tulsa during the 1960s and 70s.

Tulsa may rival other international cities as home to some of the most accomplished Rock and Roll and Pop music artists in the world. Tulsa musicians were in serious demand during the 1960s and 1970s. The multitalented Leon Russell, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Carl Radle, and guitarist J. J. Cale collaborated with artists such as John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan.

These musicians headed a group that became known as the "Tulsa Sound." Also during the 1960s, Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis played with Taj Mahal, with whom he performed during the famous Rolling Stones "Rock & Roll Circus," and John Lennon before launching a solo career.

From the beginning of rock and roll, many artists and bands have called Oklahoma home. In the 1950s, performers such as Wanda Jackson, who toured with Elvis Presley from 1956 to 1960, Eddie Cochran, and the Collins Kids were vanguards in the Rockabilly movement that inspired the Beatles and eventually the British Punk movement of the late 1970s.

The 1960s was a period when Rock and Roll expanded beyond its Country, Blues, and Jazz roots. The sound of The Ventures displayed this experimentation, featuring Oklahomans Bob Bogle on bass and Nokie Edwards on guitar.

During the 1970s and 1980s many Oklahomans made their marks on the music charts. One of the biggest hit makers was David Gates and his band Bread. Other notable Oklahomans that produced music during the 1970s included B.J. Thomas, Boz Scaggs, Barry McGuire, Dwight Twilley, Elvin Bishop, and Moon Martin. The GAP Band from Tulsa combined R&B, Funk, and Soul, producing several best-selling albums. Many current Hip Hop and R&B artists have sampled their music.

Michael Been of Oklahoma City and Scott Musick of Tulsa formed a band, The Call, in 1980. Influenced by Woody Guthrie through Bob Dylan and The Band, Been wrote songs that combined political issues with personal introspection and became popular on College Radio during the 1980s and early 1990s.

In the 1980s, a fast-food cook from Oklahoma City, Wayne Coyne, started a band called The Flaming Lips and brought an avant-garde approach to Rock which has grown into a phenomenon in the new millennium. The Flaming Lips continue to influence the music industry worldwide through their innovation and experimentation.

Tulsa based Hanson exploded on the pop charts in the 1990s with their catchy tunes and created pandemonium among young teenage girls reminiscent of Beatlemania thirty years earlier. The three brothers continue to produce music and have matured into a critically acclaimed Pop/Rock act.

The All-American Rejects from Stillwater are a power pop group that has reached international stardom since they released their first EP in 2001. Another band with Oklahoma roots, the Kings of Leon, released their first EP in 2003 and have built a worldwide following.

Many other bands, including local garage bands, artists, and early influences are also be included in the exhibit.

The exhibit title Another Hot Oklahoma Night, from The Call's song "Oklahoma," loosely refers to the heat and energy of Rock and Roll that could be experienced while listening to rock and roll on the radio in your car on a summer night or seeing a concert with several hundred of your closest friends at Cain's Ballroom.

The exhibit, located in the Main Hall Commons on the OSU-Tulsa campus, is free to the public and will be open to the public Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and on Sundays 1 pm to 7 pm.

"Opening of "Oklahoma Driven" Exhibit"

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

03/15/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

WHERE: Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

WHEN: Wednesday, March 16th - doors open at 5:00 p.m., opening ceremony at 5:30, ribbon cutting at 5:45.

WHAT: Opening of "Oklahoma Driven." This exhibit features cars, collectors and the birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission. The cars include a number of very rare automobiles. They include:

1899 Knox - Three wheel vehicle steered with a tiller
1903 Oldsmobile - Ransom Olds name permeates the early days of the auto industry
1909 Ford Model "T" - Wooden body, very rare early production model originally owned by an Oklahoman
1909 Buick - Immaculate restoration, body still had ties to those made by carriage makers
1910 Selden - Car purchased new by an Oklahoma Citian and driven in Oklahoma City, ultimately stored behind a barn at SW 29th and May, discovered by car collector Don Bolton, very rare automobile.
1912 Buick - Different body shape from the 1909 model now looks like a "car" body, unrestored - all original with less than 5,000 miles, extraordinarily rare
1931 Ford Model "A" - 1 of only 6,400 manufactured, major changes by Ford because of the depression, most of this model were sold in Europe

WHO: Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley Car collectors Don Boulton and Jim Bradley, who graciously loaned the automobiles for the exhibit Don Hummer, Sooner Regional Group, Horseless Carriage Club of America Liz Romero from the Oklahoma Division of the Federal Highway Administration Jim Benson, Chairman of the Board, American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma Former Gov. David Walters

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This special exhibit is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Oklahoma Highway Department, which is now the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The exhibit is a cooperative effort of the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma.

Live Shots are welcome for either the 4p.m., 4:30p.m. or 5p.m. newscasts.The car owners, and OHS and ODOT staff will be available for interviews.

For set up information and to confirm your coverage, call Michael Dean at 522-5241 or 412-7831.

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center to Open April 1

Andi Holland, Director
(580) 237-1907 x223

03/25/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid is ready to celebrate its Grand Opening Friday, April 1 at 11 a.m. This new regional heritage center is located at 507 S. 4th Street in Enid, Oklahoma. The Enid community working in partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society created the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center to tell the extraordinary stories of settling the Cherokee Strip and share the inspiring lessons of leadership with future generations.

At the center, visitors learn about the 1893 Land Run - the largest land run in American history opening 6 million acres to settlement. Visitor's also explore how the Cherokee Strip was formed, life on the prairie, the Dust Bowl, area railroads, agricultural development, the discovery and development of the oil industry and Phillip's University, an early private university in the state.

Admission prices for the center are: $5 for Adults; $3 for Seniors (62 and old), students (with ID's) and military (with ID's); children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. The center has a special family admission rate of $13 for up to six family members. There is also a special group rate of $3 per person for groups of ten or more.

About Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is an institutional leader presenting the region's rich heritage through discovery, learning and inspiring leadership. The center celebrates and commemorates the spirit of the Cherokee Strip Pioneers and relates that spirit to the present and the future. The center serves other heritage organizations with the common goal of better understanding the history and culture of the Cherokee Strip. The center is dedicated to collecting, preserving and presenting the history of Northwest Oklahoma with emphasis on explaining why history matters. For more information, go to www.csrhc.org or call (580) 237-1907.

About Oklahoma Historical Society For more than 100 years, the Oklahoma Historical Society has strived to protect, chronicle and share the history of our great state. The Oklahoma Historical Society maintains 20 museums and historic sites and nine affiliates located throughout Oklahoma. Intriguing destinations, including historic homes, military sites, and museums, offer a unique glimpse into Oklahoma's past. For more information, go to www.okhistory.org or call (405) 521-2491.

Oklahoma Driven: Cars, Collectors and the Birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

03/23/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is featuring an exhibit exploring the state's early road history that will remain on display through March 2012. The exhibit includes a variety of vintage automobiles from the personal collections of members of the Sooner Regional Group of the Horseless Carriage Club of America. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, just East of the State Capitol on NE 23rd Street.

The exhibit is part of the celebration of the Centennial of creation of what is today the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT.) In 1911 the State Legislature passed the bill creating the Oklahoma Highway Department, which came into existence later that year.

Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, noted transportation has always played a role in the development of the state's economy.

"The creation of the Oklahoma Highway Department that occurred at the same time as the discovery of major oil fields in our state, has resulted in Oklahoma growing and prospering," Blackburn said. "These elements of transportation began with river boats, then railroads, followed by highways and the interstate highway system, and airlines crossing our state creating economic opportunity unlike that found in any other state."

The cars currently on display include:

1899 Knox - An early "waterless" car featuring an air cooled engine. This car has the original single tube tires.

1903 Oldsmobile - Model "R" curved dash car with a one cylinder engine gives it a speed of up to 20 MPH

1909 Ford Model "T" - This car came from Gracemont, OK and was used in a political campaign in the 1940s.

1909 Buick Model 17 -A beautiful restoration of this early Buick.

1910 Selden Model 28 - This car was sold new in Oklahoma City and later found behind a barn at SW 29th and May Avenue.

1912 Buick Model 29 -This is an extremely rare untouched original car documented to have been driven less than 2,000 miles. It is believed to be the best original Buick in existence.

1931 Ford Model A Convertible Sedan - This car was part of the last production run at the Ford Assembly Plant in Oklahoma City. After 1931 Ford converted the assembly plant to a regional parts distribution center.

The cars are on loan to the Oklahoma History Center from the collections of these members of theSooner Regional Group of the Horseless Carriage Club of America: Don and Grace Bolton, Don and Joan Hummer, Ted and Francis Oney, Jim and Joyce Bradley, Charlie Baldwin andC. T. Lewis Enterprises

ODOT also commissioned the Oklahoma History Center to develop educational trunks for elementary school teachers to use as an instructional tool that feature hands-on objects and activities representing road development and safety.

The Oklahoma History Center is open Monday thru Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The research library is open Monday thru Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission is: adults $7, seniors age 62 and over $5, students $4, children five and under are admitted free. There is a special family rate of $18, and group rates for large groups.

The Oklahoma History Center is only closed three days a year: News Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

For more information visit www.okhistorycenter.org or call (405) 522-0765.

Grand Opening of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

03/30/11
Enid, OK
For Immediate Release

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center 507 South 4th Enid, OK 73701 73105-7917

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Grand Opening of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

WHEN: Friday, April 1st - Continental Breakfast and V.I.P. and Media tour beginning at 9:30 a.m. Public Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. with public opening and free admission until 3 p.m.

WHERE: 507 South 4th Street, Enid

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is an all-new regional museum and heritage center specific to all of Northwest Oklahoma. It replicates on a regional basis what the Oklahoma History Center is for the state of Oklahoma.

This magnificent new 24,000 sq. ft. facility stands on one of the most famed spots in the American west overlooking a historic watering hole on the Chisholm Trail.

Through engaging exhibits visitors learn about the 1893 Land Run - the largest land run in American history opening 6 million acres to settlement. An hour or a day can be spent exploring how the Cherokee Strip was formed, life on the prairie, the Dust Bowl, area railroads, agricultural development, the discovery and development of the oil industry and Phillip's University, an early private university in the state.

The Heritage Center features five exhibit galleries, rotating exhibit space, a theater, research center, visitor center and a regionally-inspired gift shop featuring products of local artisans.

The Center's living history area, Humphrey Heritage Village, is a collection of four historically significant buildings including the only remaining 1893 U.S. Land Office. The Center and the grounds are accessible to all visitors.

To RSVP for the 9:30 Breakfast and Media tour contact Andi Holland at (580) 237-1907 x223 or Cell (580) 278-6657 or aholland@okhistory.org

Or call Michael Dean at (405) 522-5241 or Cell (405) 412-7831.

Call to Arms

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

04/06/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars and join us at the Oklahoma History Center for a living history experience for the entire family. On May 21, 2011 the History Center will present its 4th Annual Call to Arms, a military trail of honor. This year's event will help the History Center to kick of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. The gates open at 10:00 AM and programs run through 3:00 PM. Admission to the event is just $10.00 per vehicle and includes museum admission.

This year soldiers and civilians from the American Revolution through WWII will bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. Numerous reenactors and learning stations will allow both children and adults to explore the soldiers of America's past. The program will run continuously throughout the day from 10:00 AM through 3:00 PM allowing visitors to arrive at any time.

Fort Sill Gun and Infantry Detachments from the Director of Museums and Military History, US Army Fires Center for Excellence will provide artillery firing demonstrations and infantry drill. Other period soldiers from the American Revolution through WWII will fill the Red River Journey at the History Center.

For more information on Civil War Saturday please contact Jason Harris by email at jharris@okhistory.org or at (405) 522-0785.

Oklahoma Begins Commemoration of Civil War with Reenactment of the Battle of Honey Springs

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

04/15/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a special reenactment of the Battle of Honey Springs. On Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1 the original battlefield will once again shake with the roar of cannon, volley fire from thousands of muskets and ring to the clash of saber to saber combat! The reenactment of the Battle of Honey Springs is a Nationally Sanctioned Event of the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary of the Civil War. Don't miss this event!

The battlefield will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The battle will be at 1:30 p.m. each afternoon. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Here are directions to the battlefield Visitors Center: 3.6 mi north of Checotah on Bus. 69; east 2.0 miles through Rentiesville; 2.0 miles north on Honey Springs Battlefield Road.

The 1,100 acre battlefield site has six walking trails with a total of 55 interpretive signs; the trails are located at (1) the Union bivouac area, (2) the Union line of battle, (3) the Texas' regiments line of battle [which includes 1/8-mile of the original Texas Road], (4) the battle at the bridge [over Elk Creek], (5) the final action, and (6) Honey Springs [the Confederate supply depot].

As part of an overall war plan, Federal forces invaded Confederate held Indian Territory. The Confederates established a supply depot 20 miles southwest of Fort Gibson at Honey Springs and made plans to drive the Federals from the area. Union Major General James G. Blunt not awaiting attack, marched out from Fort Gibson and engaged the Confederate forces under Brigadier General Douglas Cooper.

The Engagement at Honey Springs (called The Affair at Elk Creek by the Confederates) was the largest of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in the Indian Territory. The engagement took place on a rainy Friday, July 17, 1863, between the 1st Division, Army of the Frontier, commanded by Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt and the Confederate Indian Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper.

Cherokee and Creek regiments fought on both sides. There were approximately 9000 men involved, including other American Indians, veteran Texas regiments, and the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers (the first black regiment in the Union army).

The Federal victory opened the way for occupation of Fort Smith and the later Union victories in the Red River Valley.

Some years ago, the reenactment was moved from mid-July to late spring, because many participants fell victim to the mid-summer heat. Though the actual battle took place in 1863, a number of civil war reenactment groups choose this event as one of the major events in the first year of the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary of the Civil War.

For additional information, go to the Oklahoma History website: www.okhistory.org/honeysprings, or call (918) 473-5572.

The web address to follow all of the events and program associated with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Oklahoma is www.okcivilwar.org.

"The Everlasting Beatles" coming to Oklahoma City and Tulsa

Jeff Moore
(405) 522-0692

05/11/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Beatles are the band that changed music for millions of people around the world and created a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence many aspects of our culture today. The Beatles had the luxury of being introduced to America's Baby Boomers in 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show and then get reintroduced two generations later with the release of The Beatles Rock Band video game and the unveiling of their music catalogue on Apple's iTunes in November 2010. After signing on as their manager, Brian Epstein boldly predicted that children born in 2000 would be fans of the "Fab Four."

The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to bring British filmmaker David Silver to discuss the Beatles with presentations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on back-to-back nights. Mr. Silver describes his presentation, "The Everlasting Beatles," as "a presentation that doesn't just document them but instead looks at their larger enduring presence."

Not surprisingly this enduring presence includes the musical contributions of several Oklahomans. When Paul McCartney first played guitar for John Lennon in Liverpool, he played 20 Flight Rock by Eddie Cochran, who claimed Oklahoma City as his hometown. After The Beatles broke up, John, Paul, George, and Ringo went their separate ways. They each continued to pursue music on their own terms. Several Oklahoma musicians became part of the larger Beatles story. George Harrison relied on Leon Russell to put the house band together for the Concert for Bangladesh that also included Jim Keltner and Carl Radle from Tulsa and Jesse Ed Davis from Oklahoma City. John Lennon became good friends with Jesse Ed Davis and the two recorded together.

A fan of The Beatles, David Silver grew up near Liverpool, and it was this experience that enabled him to write the #1 charting MGM/UA/Warner film The Compleat Beatles, the biopic of choice about history's most famous band. The expression "rockumentary" was first applied to this film. David has produced, directed or written documentaries featuring icons: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, Roger Waters, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Allen Ginsberg, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Frank Zappa, Elvis Costello, Peter Tosh, HANSON, Tony Bennett, Irene Cara, Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Spalding Gray, Joey Ramone, Johnny Winter, Count Basie, Muddy Waters and many others.

Mr. Silver's 1979 Warner Brothers feature No Nukes helped start the trend of music/activism feature documentaries. Twenty years later, his film made with Tulsa-based band Hanson was the fastest-selling home video. Silver has been responsible for three Billboard #1 charting home videos.

In 2009, Silver was the consultant to Ang Lee, the Academy Award-winning director, on his Universal/Focus Features release, Taking Woodstock.

David Silver started his media career in the late sixties, hosting and designing his own talk show What's Happening Mr. Silver? broadcast out of PBS's premier station, WGBH-TV Boston. Abbie Hoffman was Silver's first guest, William Buckley Jr. his second, Frank Zappa his third. The series has been described as the only broadcast alternative TV series authentically reflecting sixties culture.

These Beatles programs are a continuation of the Oklahoma Historical Society's effort to develop and build the new Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture in downtown Tulsa's Brady Arts District. The new museum will continue the OHS's mission to collect and preserve music and pop culture and share the story of Oklahoma as the crossroads of creativity.

The first presentation will be held at the Oklahoma History Center on Wednesday May 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Chesapeake Auditorium. The History Center is located at the corner of NE 23rd St. and Lincoln Blvd. across the street from the Governor's Mansion.

On the next night, David Silver will give his presentation at the Auditorium on the Oklahoma State University - Tulsa Campus, starting at 7:00 p.m. The OSU-Tulsa Campus is also the current location of Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Exhibit that opened at the Oklahoma History Center in 2009 before moving to Tulsa in March.

Admission is free and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at both venues, please come early since seating will be limited and granted on a first-come first-served basis.

For more information contact the Oklahoma History Center at (405) 522-0765.

Statewide Preservation Conference

Melvena Heisch
(405) 522-4484

05/13/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Oklahoma Historical society is pleased to announce that Wide Open for Preservation: Oklahoma's 23rd Annual Statewide Preservation Conference will be held June 8-10 in Guymon.
To register, just go to http://www.mainstreetguymon.com. The deadline for receiving the reduced conference registration fee is June 1.

The more than forty speakers will address Preservation in the Wide Open Spaces, Old is the New Green, and the Local Preservation Environment. In addition to Oklahoma preservation leaders and professionals are several special guest speakers from across the nation who will contribute their expertise and perspectives on these topics.

J. Paul Loether, Chief, National Historic Landmarks/National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. will deliver the Plenary Session presentation on Friday afternoon, June 10. In "Historic Landscapes and 21st Century Windmills," he will discuss landscapes as historic properties, the importance of historic setting, and the challenges in balancing our needs for alternative energy sources and protection of
historic places. His national perspective will help guide Oklahoma's
preservation community as we focus on this complex new issue.

Ken Culp, III, Principal Specialist for Volunteerism, Department of 4-H Youth Development, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky is back by popular demand. As with his sessions during Oklahoma's 2009 statewide preservation conference, participants are in for a special treat on Wednesday afternoon, June 8. You will laugh, learn, and laugh some more during Culp's two workshop sessions. Main Street organizations, preservation nonprofits, and others will not want to miss "Volunteer Recruitment & Retention: Increasing Volunteer Efforts" or "Diagnosing Volunteer Burnout: Treatment for a Cure."

The fascinating history of the Oklahoma Panhandle and the Great Plains is represented in archeological sites, buildings, and landscapes. In the conference track Preservation in the Wide Open Spaces participants will learn about some of these important places and their preservation.

Donald Blakeslee, Archeologist, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas will speak about his work to determine where Coronado crossed Oklahoma.
Faye Gaines, Chairman, Preservation Committee, Santa Fe Trail Association, Springer, New Mexico, and Jeff Trotman, Kansas Director, Santa Fe Trail Association, Ulysses, Kansas, will discuss the history of the Santa Fe Trail and efforts to protect and interpret it and its related resources.

Suzzanne Kelley, President of Preservation North Dakota, and Tom Isern, Professor of History and University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University will share the history of the Hutmacher Farmstead and the extraordinary preservation work taking place there. Isern is a specialist in the history of the Great Plains and a long-time activist in state
preservation efforts. He and Kelley, leads study tours and restoration
expeditions to the historic farmstead and other earth-building sites in North Dakota.

Jim Steely, Senior Historical Consultant, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Phoenix, Arizona, is a recognized scholar on the Civilian Conservation Corps, and he will speak about CCC projects in the Texas Panhandle.

Richard B. Wright, Associate Professor of Art History, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, will talk about the architectural significance of the Texas County Courthouse (located in Guymon).

Historic preservation equals sustainability, and there is no doubt that historic preservation was "green" before "green" was cool. In Old is the New Green, you will hear Antonio Aguilar, Architect, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, Washington, D.C., who reviews proposed rehabilitation projects from Oklahoma for the federal tax credits, will discuss the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and how they relate to the "green" movement. Then, Philip Thomason, Thomason & Associates, Preservation Planners, Nashville, Tennessee, will discuss his work as a consultant to the City of Oklahoma City as they revise their local historic district design guidelines to more clearly reflect how preservation equals sustainability.

If you want to learn more about how to build and strengthen local historic preservation and heritage tourism programs, then you should plan to attend sessions in the track entitled The Local Preservation Environment. Special guest speakers on this topic include Dolores Mosser, immediate past president of the Texas Plains Trail Association who will talk about several rehabilitation projects in the Texas Panhandle and about the regions participation in the highly successful Texas Heritage Trails Program. Dan Corson, Intergovernmental Services Director, State Historic Preservation Office, Colorado Historical Society, Denver, Colorado, will discuss local historic preservation initiatives through Colorado's Certified Local Governments Program (CLG). Elmer J. Martinez, Community Development Director, City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, New Mexico, will share his city's experiences in developing their historic preservation program and their participation as a New Mexico CLG.

Special events include tours to Santa Fe Trail Landmarks and the Black Mesa/Kenton Area; a visit to No Man's Land Museum and Panhandle State University's Art Department with Raku Firing demonstration; and a short drive to the historic Norwegian community of Oslo, Texas, featuring its historic church and traditional food. A Mexican Quinceanera Luncheon, Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.'s annual meeting and luncheon and the SHPO's annual awards banquet will also be featured.

Conference cosponsors include the State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society; Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.; Oklahoma Sustainability Network; Main Street Guymon; City of Guymon, Convention and Tourism; Guymon Chamber of Commerce; Pioneer Showcase; and Guymon Chapter, No Man's Land Historical Society.

If you may have questions, contact Melvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO, at 405/522-4484 or mheisch@okhistory.org or Melyn Johnson, Main Street Guymon (580/338-6246 or director@mainstreetguymon.com). Follow conference developments at www.okhistory.org/shpo/conference.htm or see the conference blog at http://okpreservationconference.wordpress.com.

Civil War Programs at the History Center

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

05/17/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

This Thursday and Saturday, the Oklahoma History Center is presenting two special programs on the Civil War. This year's event will help the History Center to kick of the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.

On Thursday Dr. Stanly Adamiak, Military Historian and professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, well help the Oklahoma History Center kick of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War for an evening lecture program. The lecture will look at the myth and reality of the causes of the war including the Missouri Compromise, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and John Brown's Raid. The museum will open at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to this free special program.

Then on Saturday the History Center will present its 4th Annual Call to Arms, a military trail of honor. The gates open at 10:00 a.m. and programs run through 3:00 p.m. Admission to the event is just $10.00 per vehicle and includes museum admission.

This year soldiers and civilians from the American Revolution through WWII will bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. Numerous reenactors and learning stations will allow both children and adults to explore the soldiers of America's past. The program will run continuously throughout the day from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. allowing visitors to arrive at any time.

Fort Sill Gun and Infantry Detachments from the Director of Museums and Military History, US Army Fires Center for Excellence will provide artillery firing demonstrations and infantry drill. Other period soldiers from the American Revolution, through WWII will fill the Red River Journey at the History Center.

For more information on these Civil War programs please contact Jason Harris by email at jharris@okhistory.org or at (405) 522-0785.

Media Advisory

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

05/18/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

What: Press availability and one-on-one opportunity with six Oklahomans connected to NASA and manned space flight.

When: Wednesday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Who: We have divided the group into three interest areas -

Representing astronauts: Tom Stafford (Gemini 6 & 9, Apollo 10 and Apollo-Soyuz) and John Herrington (space Shuttle). They are the oldest and youngest Oklahoma astronauts.

Representing Mission Control: John Aaron (EECOM for Gemini & Apollo and Asst. NASA Administrator for Exploration) and Milt Heflin (EECOM Shuttle, Chief Flight Director, Assistant Director-Technical)

Representing Planetary Exploration: Ben Clark (Lockheed-Martin and Chief Planetary Scientist) and Donna Shirley (Mariner 10, Cassini, Mars Program Manager, Sojourner)

Where: Oklahoma History Center Chesapeake Event Center

Additional Information: The six will be given an opportunity to make general comments, led by Bill Moore, before breaking into 1-on-1 interviews. This will a great opportunity to meet and interview the "behind the scenes" Oklahomans involved with NASA and our space program.

Those wishing to do live shots at Noon, and/or live shots for early evening newscasts are welcome to do so. Please advise me of your plans so I can arrange interview subjects for you. Call 522-5241 or email me at mdean@okhistory.org at make the arrangements.

Red Dirt to Rockets - Book Signing Event

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

05/19/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

William Pogue, Oklahoma astronaut, will be signing his book "But For The Grace of God." Pogue flew on the Skylab 4 mission in November 16, 1973, and concluded February 8, 1974. This was the longest manned flight (84 days, 1 hour and 15 minutes) in the history of manned space exploration to date.

Pogue was born in Okemah, and earned a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and master's degree from Oklahoma State University. He served in the U. S. Air Force retiring as a Colonel.

Bill Moore, retired Oklahoma Historical Society archivist, will be signing his book "Oklahomans in Space." Moore has written extensively about Oklahoma's connections to NASA and the Man In space program. He has also produced several documentaries on the subject for OETA.

Both authors will beginning signing their books at noon Wednesday, May 25 at the Oklahoma History Center.

Oklahoma History Center Presents Red Dirt to Rockets

Dan Provo
(405) 522-5380

05/16/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is presenting a special program titled "From Red Dirt to Rockets: Oklahomans and Space; Celebrating and Recognizing Oklahomans' Contributions to the Space Program." This event will be held on Wednesday May 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is a celebration of Oklahoma astronauts, scientists, engineers, mission control staff, and others who have made significant contributions to NASA and the space program. The event is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's "We are going to the Moon" speech.

Currently five of the six living Oklahoma astronauts are committed to attending. Present will be astronauts Tom Stafford (Gemini 6 & 9, Apollo 10, Apollo-Soyuz); Fred Haise (Apollo 13); John Herrington (Space Shuttle); William Pogue (Apollo-Skylab); and Shannon Lucid (Space Shuttle, MIR).

To date 14 Oklahoma engineers, project members, scientists and others from the space program have indicated that they will attend. Among the engineers, scientists, mission control and special projects personnel are:

John Aaron - EECOM for Gemini & Apollo, Asst. NASA Administrator for Exploration Jim Bates - Flight Controller Mercury, Gemini & Apollo, ALSEP Science Mgr., Shuttle Flight Integration Manager, AMS Mgr.

Harold Burks - NASA Langley Physicist, Facility Designer and Manager

Charles Dry - NASA Sr. Systems Engineer, Apollo Test Crewman program

Jerry Elliott - Guido, Retro, Shuttle Project Engineer, ISS Technical Manager

Milt Heflin - EECOM Shuttle, Chief Flight Director, Assistant Director
(Technical)

Bob Holkan - Flight Controller Training Gemini & Apollo, Training Division Chief

Carole McLemore - Shuttle Ground Systems, ISS Flight Support, Project Manager In-Situ

Owen Morris - NACA, Chief LM Engineer Division, Apollo Pro. Office Manager, Dep. Mgr. Shuttle

Ernest Randall -Aerospace Engineer Real Time Computer Complex, Flight Training Br. Engineer, Chief Network OPS

Donna Shirley - Mariner 10, Cassini, Mars Program Manager. - Sojourner

Gary Tesch - Chief Counsel Goddard, NASA HQ Associate General Counsel, Dep.
General Counsel

Tom Weichal - Agena Site Engineer, RETRO for Apollo

John Martin Meek - Senator Robert S. Kerr Press Secretary

In addition, the event will provide an opportunity for the release of a new book titled, "Oklahomans and Space," by Bill Moore. A preview of a multi-part documentary on Oklahomans and the Space Program will also be shown.

The Oklahoma History Center appreciates the generous help provided by Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and OMEGA Watch who are helping support Oklahomans and Space education programming at the Oklahoma History Center.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday May 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., please no autographs at the event and seating is limited. Reception and dinner is $125 per seat and reservations are required. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (405) 522-3602.

Oklahoma Civil War 150 Teachers Institute

Cody Jolliff
(580) 237-1907 x227

05/25/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma Sesquicentennial Commission announces the Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Teachers' Institute, set for July 11th through 14th, 2011, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Historical Society, with support from the Oklahoma Humanities Council, will host the Teachers' Institute to explore the American Civil War 150 years after it began. The class will be held in the field around several important landmarks of the war, including Fort Gibson Historic Site, Honey Springs Battlefield, the George Murrell Home, the Cherokee Nation Capital Square and others. Facilitators for the event include educational staff from the Oklahoma Historical Society, Northeastern State University and Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. Twenty Oklahoma teachers will explore non-traditional classroom civil war experiences, as well as field trips, interactive activities, and other items to share with students. Teachers will each receive a resource kit with classroom activities and lesson guides. The institute will provide lodging, food and a travel stipend for the week. Only 20 teachers will be selected, so please apply early!

This institute is an official education program of the Oklahoma Sesquicentennial Commission and is sponsored by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council, with support from Northeastern State University, Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, and the Oklahoma Historical Society. Visit www.okcivilwar.org to apply for the institute or call (580)237-1907 for more information.

The Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War from 2011 to 2015. The Commission will focus on education, discussion, and preservation efforts to ensure history is remembered today and preserved for the future.

The web address to follow all of the events and program associated with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Oklahoma is www.okcivilwar.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook at OK Civil War 150.

New Oklahoma National Register Listing

Lynda Schwan
(405) 522-4478

06/20/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The National Register of Historic Places is a catalogue of the buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects whose hallowed ground and sturdy walls provide a glimpse into our past. These sites also may be selected for architectural and archeological interests. The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce that the following property was added to the National Register as of June 8, 2011.

The Thomas Community Building, located in Thomas, Oklahoma is significant within the economic and architectural context of Works Progress Administration projects. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its association with the work undertaken by the Works Progress Administration using local men who were qualified for work relief under specific guidelines established by the WPA. It is listed for its architectural significance as an excellent example of Works Progress Administration construction reflecting the goals of the building program of the WPA. The work relief provided by the WPA allowed many local people to survive the trying times of the 1930s while also stimulating the local, and therefore state and national, economies. The building is located in the downtown of Thomas, Oklahoma and was built in 1939.

The Dobson Family House, located in Miami, Oklahoma, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the areas of industry, politics/government, and social history for its association with the Dobson Family, specifically Wayman W., Solomon M. and Nellie Dobson.

Among other activities that benefited the townspeople of Miami, Oklahoma, the Dobson siblings constructed a building for the Patterson Manufacturing Company in Miami. In addition to causing the construction of the Patterson Manufacturing Company building, Wayman Willis Dobson served as Mayor of Miami during two critical times in Oklahoma history. As the only building still standing in Miami that is directly and unequivocally associated with the Dobson family, the Dobson Family House merits recognition for the significant contributions of this civic-minded, altruistic family to the community of Miami.

Two properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places from the community of Altus. The Elmer and Lela Garnett House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its local significance in the context of early twentieth-century Altus architecture. The house is the best example of a Mission Revival style symmetric subtype in Altus. There are very few Mission Revival houses in Altus and the Elmer and Lela Garnett house and garage are the best example of this architecture. The house is distinctive and an outstanding example of the use of Mission Revival architecture in this community. The second property, the Frazer Cemetery, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for Exploration/Settlement for its association with the early settlers from the town and neighborhood of Frazer in Greer County, Texas (Jackson County, Oklahoma). Residents abandoned Frazer in 1891 after severe flooding swept through the town, moved about two miles east and established a new town,
Altus (named such because it was on higher ground). Frazer settlers and neighbors are buried here, but Frazer families who moved to Altus after Frazer was vacated also continued to bury their dead here until 1950 when the last burial occurred. The cemetery contains the names of Frazer settlement families who contributed significantly to the development of Altus and became leading citizens in the community. The cemetery also documents the settlement period burial traditions of Frazer residents and neighborhood families.

The State Historic Preservation Office continues to strive to gain recognition for those places significant in Oklahoma's history. For more information on these or other National Register properties, contact Lynda Schwan at (405) 522-4478 (email: lschwan@okhistory.org).

OHS Accepts Donation from Federation of Colored Women's Clubs

Bruce Fisher
(405) 522-5049

08/01/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Oklahoma Historical Society is accepting a gift of historical significance from the Oklahoma City Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. and its Brockway Community Center on August 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The Oklahoma City Local Club is an affiliated of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. and Youth Affiliates. The National Club is the oldest black women's organization in America. The national organization and its local clubs have provided continuous community service since 1896.

The Black Heritage Committee of the Oklahoma Historical Society was established in 1976 at the behest of Governor David Boren as a result of appeals to him by Mrs. Rubye Hall and representatives of the Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. For many years, the Federation provided organization support for the work of the Black Heritage Committee since the committee had no budget or paid staff but functioned in an advisory capacity to the Board on matters pertaining to the heritage of African Americans in Oklahoma.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that Mrs. Hall and the Federation of Colored Women's Club changed the culture of the Oklahoma Historical Society and that we owe a debt of gratitude to them for having the tenacity to insist that African American history be an integral part of Oklahoma history," said Bruce Fisher, curator of African American history at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

The donations include over twenty scrapbooks, historical photographs, correspondence, and minutes that date back to its inception. Several portraits of women that lead the organization and records of the creation of a program called the Grandparents Academy. The Grandparents Academy was developed in Oklahoma City and adopted by the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc.

The Grandparents Academy was developed to help grandparents raising grandchildren. This is an epidemic problem in the State of Oklahoma. The educational clubs provide mentoring, educational scholarship, art and cultural activities, business and professional development activities designed to improve our nations communities.

The Club motto is for each member to do their best to honor God, cultivate the mind, keep healthy bodies and to lift others as they climb the ladder of success.

For more information about the club, contact: Mrs. Odette Scoby, President (405) 424-6715 Email: o.scoby218@att.net or Ms. Melba Holt, LPC/Historian (405) 524-8888.

Media Advisory

Michael Dean

08/05/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

WHAT: Private unveiling of our newest exhibit "Return of Elegance: An Evening Wear Collection"

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 8th at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Oklahoma History Center - We'll meet under the Winnie Mae. Then tour this new exhibit. The curator of textiles, Jill Holt will conduct the tour and be available for interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: "The Return of Elegance: An Evening Wear Collection" is the latest fashion exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center. The exhibit showcases 29 evening gowns from the textile collection of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Many of the gowns were worn by Oklahoma women at inaugural balls, society events, and other special occasions. Also featured in the exhibit are fashion accessories including footwear and evening bags. The featured gowns will cover the period of 1912 to 1985.

Media Advisory Honey Springs Battlefield Announcement

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

08/19/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

WHAT: Announcement of funding for major renovations at the Honey Springs Battlefield

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Oklahoma History Center

Following will speak:Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb

Dr. Bob Blackburn, Executive Director Oklahoma Historical Society Ryan McMullen, State Director, USDA Rural Development Emmy Stidham, President of the Board of Directors Oklahoma Historical Society and founding member of Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield.

Also attending will be: State Senator Roger Ballenger, State Rep. Ed Cannaday, McIntosh County Commissioner Bob James.

Open House for History Center Volunteers August 27

Robbin Davis
(405) 522-0754

08/21/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

If you are a volunteer, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please mark your calendars to attend a special open house on Saturday, August 27th from 1pm to 4pm at the Oklahoma History Center. The history center is located on NE23rd Street just east of the State Capitol.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the museum or the research center is encouraged to attend. You will be able to learn more about the requirements and procedure for becoming a volunteer, as well as the areas where you can volunteer and the wonderful benefits of being a volunteer.

A tour of the museum will be offered at 2:30pm and preregistration is required. So, please be sure to let us know you are coming if you would like to participate in the tour.

Please call Robbin Davis at (405)522-0754 or email volunteers@okhistory.org, if you have questions about becoming a volunteer.

Emmy Scott Stidham Elected President of OHS Board of Directors

Paul Lambert
(405) 522-5217

08/20/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Checotah resident Emma Scott Stidham conducted her first meeting as the newly elected President of the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors Wednesday July 27, 2011. Stidham was elected president by the Board of Directors during the annual meeting of the Oklahoma Historical Society held this spring. . Also elected to leadership positions on the board are: Dr. Bill Corbett, Vice President and Leonard Logan, Treasurer.

Stidham grew up in Edmond and Checotah and attended the University of Oklahoma. She was first elected to the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors in 1988. She previously served as Vice President and Secretary the board. And during her tenure as a board member, has served on a number of committees within the board.

She served as a board member of Checotah MainStreet for eight years, serves as publicity chair for the Checotah Chamber of Commerce and was the chamber's Member of the Year in 1996 and 2003. She is a founding member of Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield. She is the founding president and current projects chairman of the Checotah Landmark Preservation Society and was instrumental in saving and relocating the local 1890 Katy Railroad depot and placing it, the Methodist church and downtown business district on the National Register of Historic Places. She was named the McIntosh Democrat's Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1986, McIntosh County Citizen of the Year in 1992 and received the Oklahoma Heritage Association's Distinguished Service Award for Preservation of State and Local History in 1996.

She is a member of the Oklahoma Methodism Conference Committee on Archives and History, is a delegate in P.E.O International, Past President of Checotah's Jim Lucas Library, and trustee of the Centennial Heartland Heritage Center.

Stidham has been a Life Member of the Oklahoma Historical Society since 1985.

Public Relations and Marketing Internship Fall 2011

Cody Jolliff
(580) 237-1907

08/22/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Task Force
Oklahoma Historical Society – State of Oklahoma
Office Location: Enid, OK

The Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Task Force (OKCW150) of the Oklahoma Historical Society has an opening for a Public Relations intern at their Enid, OK office. Intern will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in promoting a non-profit organization on a state and national level. Internship is unpaid, but will work with sponsoring university for applicable college credit. Work schedule will be arranged on an individual basis. Visit www.okcivilwar.org for more information on OKCW150.

Qualifications:

Preferred Junior or Senior pursuing bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, mass communications, journalism or related field. Recent graduates may also apply.
Strong writing skills with AP style
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Ability to work a minimum of 12 hours per week.

Major Duties:

Write basic press release, media alerts and magazine copy, social media updates.
Assist as needed with entry level PR tasks.
Proofread and fact check copy.
Monitor media reports.
Assist in Merchandise catalogue development
Assist with special events in a variety of capacities.
Help with administrative work as needed. ie. Filling, copies, phones.
Arrive on time, dressed professionally for your scheduled shift.
Maintain a clean organized workspace.

To apply for an internship, please submit cover letter and resume by September 1, 2011 to cjolliff@okhistory.org or for more information contact Cody Jolliff at (580)237-1907x227

Visitors' Center Developed for State's Largest Civil War Battlefield

USDA Rural Development
Public Affairs Specialist Kathleen James
(405) 742-1014

08/29/11
Rentiesville, OK
For Immediate Release

An impressive multi-million dollar partnership between four federal agencies, a state agency, McIntosh County, several local businesses, and a non-profit organization will provide funding, infrastructure and in-kind services to construct a visitors' center at the historic site of Oklahoma's largest military engagement, The Battle of Honey Springs.

The federal involvement includes the National Park Service, as well as all three agencies of USDA Rural Development - Rural Business Service, Rural Utilities Service and Rural Housing Service.

"With increasingly scarce resources, such an ambitious project is only possible with many public and private partners," said Ryan McMullen, State Director of USDA Rural Development. "The partnership recognizes that rural areas should increasingly capitalize on the tourism industry. The development of this attraction will create jobs, as well as educate visitors on one of Oklahoma's most historic sites."

The Battle of Honey Springs was the largest of the 107 documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory during the Civil War and the nation's largest battle in which African American, American Indian, Hispanic and Anglo American soldiers engaged. The heroics of the Civil War's first African American regiment, the First Kansas Colored, were largely responsible for the Union's victory there. Often referred to as the "Gettysburg of the West," the Confederate defeat at Honey Springs opened the way for Union occupation of Fort Smith and later Union victories in the Red River Valley.

Bob Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, is among many that worked for years to preserve and share the historic nature of the site.

"Since July 17, 1863, the Honey Springs Battlefield has been hallowed ground where patriots on both sides of the conflict died for a cause they believed in," said Blackburn. "To commemorate the significance of the battle, the Oklahoma Historical Society starting buying land there in the 1960s and followed with the development of a bridge, roads, and interpretive trails in the 1990s. The visitor center will complete the master plan for making the site accessible to the greatest number of people. We owe that to the men who fought and died there."

Today, the 1,100-acre battlefield site is owned by the Oklahoma Historical Society and features six walking trails with 55 interpretive signs. The site sits next to the historic African-American community of Rentiesville, straddling the Muskogee and McIntosh County line.

The site offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy hiking and area wildlife, while learning about the Battle of Honey Springs and the impact of the Civil War on American Indians living in Indian Territory. The Civil War's toll on life and property was greater per-capita in what is present-day Oklahoma than any state in the country.

The Friends of Honey Springs organization will lease the land from the Oklahoma Historical Society to construct the new visitors' center. It will not only offer engaging educational exhibits about the 9,000 soldiers that fought there, but will serve as a library and a community center for the residents of Rentiesville, McMullen said.

Upon completion of the 5,000 square foot visitors' center, the National Park Service predicts an annual visitation of 150,000 people, which would represent $9 million in tourism revenues for the state, said Emmy Stidham of Checotah, President of the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors. Stidham said the location of the battlefield is a benefit, as well.

"Honey Springs is a perfect stop for people traveling between Oklahoma City and Little Rock or between Kansas City, Tulsa and Dallas," Stidham said. "It's a good stopping point, easily accessible from I-40 and Highway 69. Our area is known for hospitality, and we'd love more people to come."

USDA Rural Development has awarded nearly $500,000 in grant funds and over $600,000 in financing through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Community Facilities programs. A portion of the financing includes a guaranteed loan through Peoples National Bank in Checotah. The project also includes a Rural Utilities Service award to Cross Telephone Cooperative to extend high speed internet access to the area as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

State and local funds will come from $800,000 worth of site development and in-kind services from the Oklahoma Historical Society and thousands more in road improvements from McIntosh County. Commissioner Bobby James plans to pave two miles of county roadway and rebuild a bridge to provide better access to the site. James will use funding from the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) program, which provides state construction funding for high-priority county roads or bridges.

"There are lots of people in our community who have been working hard on this for years and years," James said. "I picked this project [for CIRB funding] because I felt like it was something we really needed because of the importance of the battlefield."

McMullen said the Friends of Honey Springs plan to complete the visitors' center by July of 2013, marking the 150th anniversary of the battle.

Fort Washita Civil War Reenactment Set for September 23-24

Cody Jolliff
(580) 759-8733

09/19/11
Durant, OK
For Immediate Release

Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a special reenactment at historic fort Washita this weekend. Friday September 23rd will be a special school day for students. Friday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday September 24th the fort will be the scene for more activities from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

At 11:00 a.m. living historians will reenact the surrender of the fort in April, 1861 to Confederate forces. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a battle reenactment.

These events are part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in the territory.
Admission is only $5 per car.

Fort Washita was established in 1842 in the Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory, as the southwestern-most military post of the United States. The mission of the soldiers was to protect the recently immigrated Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians. The Southern Plains Indians to the west and non-Indian intruders posed threats to the peace and stability of the region. Troops stationed at Fort Washita on a rotational basis during the 1840s included men belonging to companies from the 2nd Dragoons, U.S. Regiment of Riflemen, and the 6th, 7th, and 5th Infantry Regiments. In the 1850s, soldiers from one battery each of the 2nd and 3rd Artillery were at the fort on frontier duty. From 1858 to the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, elements of the 1st Cavalry and 7th Infantry garrisoned the post.

On May 1, 1861, the fort was abandoned by U.S. forces and occupied the next day by Confederate troops from Texas. Southern soldiers used the post as a headquarters during the remainder of the Civil War. After the war the Chickasaw Nation received the old post grounds and buildings from the federal government. The Colbert family, prominent Chickasaws, owned the property until it was acquired in 1962 by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
The site is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark.
More recently, in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 26, 2010 the South Barracks at Fort Washita Historic Site burned. The building and its contents were a total loss.
The South Barracks were a reconstruction of an original 1849 post building.

The furnished barracks served as the main interpretation setting for the historic site. Living history groups stayed in the barracks and presented programs bringing the fort back to life for the visiting public. Numerous other programs such as candlelight tours made visits memorable for young and old.

For additional information, go to the Oklahoma History website:
http://www.okhistory.org/outreach/military/fortwashita.html, or call (918) 759-8733.

The web address to follow all of the events and program associated with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Oklahoma is www.okcivilwar.org.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook at "OK Civil War 150."

Historic Fort Gibson Candlelight Tours

Chris Morgan
(918) 478-4088

10/31/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Fort Gibson Historic Site will begin taking reservations for the 2011 Candlelight Tour Tuesday, November 1. This year's production will take place Saturday, December 10. Tours will run from 6 p.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m. Reservations are $7.00 each, payable in advance.

The 2011 edition is titled "Home Front, Cherokee Nation" and is set in the town and military post of Fort Gibson in 1864. Visitors will get to view scenes showing the lives of the different types of people who lived at Fort Gibson, and to learn about the impact the Civil War had on the residents of Indian Territory.

As in past years, visitors will have refreshments and period music at the end of the tour. This year, Candlelight Tour visitors will also get a sneak preview of the temporary exhibits "Key Ingredients: America by Food," and "Feeding the Troops." The official opening of these exhibits for the general public is December 11.

To make reservations or for more information call (918) 478-4088 or e-mail fortgibson@okhistory.org.

Making the Most of the Mother Road, Route 66 Workshop in Bethany

Melvena Heisch
(405) 522-4484

10/30/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. and the State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society will present a workshop entitled Making the Most of the Mother Road: How to Care for (and Benefit from) Your Route 66 Resources in Bethany on Saturday, November 19 at Royce Brown Auditorium, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway. Check-in for the workshop begins at 9:00am, and the program will run from 9:30am to 4:00pm.

Route 66 is a national treasure, and an important asset to the many communities it touches across the state. The workshop will focus on tools and resources for the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of Route 66 resources in particular and community historic properties in general.

Many public and private programs focus on the preservation of the historic road's character, and this workshop will help communities and individuals tap into them. The information presented will also be useful to owners of properties not related to the historic highway. Speakers will include representatives of the National Park Service; Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department; Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.; and State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society.

The registration fee is $15.00, which includes lunch. The deadline for registration is 5:00pm, November 5. To register, please visit http://www.preservationok.org. Contact Preservation Oklahoma at (405) 525-5325 or preservationok@preservationok.org with any questions.

The workshop will be held November 19 in Bethany at the Royce Brown Auditorium on the campus of Southern Nazarene University. While the focus is on Route 66 communities, anyone interested is welcome to attend!

History Center Museum Store Holds Holiday Open House

Russ Haynes
(405) 522-5214

12/12/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Museum Store at the Oklahoma History Center is holding a special open house on Friday December 16th and Saturday December 17th. During the holiday open house, visitors can enjoy a 10% discount on all regular priced merchandise.

The OHC Museum Store is featuring new selections for everyone on your holiday shopping lists! Recent additions include OSU and OU ornaments, made in Oklahoma heirloom cedar chests, the work of many fine Oklahoma artisans, vintage games and candies, educational toys, and our impressive book selection.

The OHC Museum Store is also pleased to offer reproductions of historical photographs from our own collections that capture the history of Oklahoma as it happened. These photographs are from many important periods in the development of Oklahoma, such as the settlement of Oklahoma, the Dust Bowl, Native American culture, and early images of the development of Oklahoma towns and cities.

Stop by and visit us for these, and many other unique gift ideas. The Museum Store now has gift wrapping available! Please contact the Museum State at (405) 522-5214 with any questions about these or any other great products.

Oklahoma History Center Launches Website for New Movie Exhibit

Larry O'Dell
(405) 522-6676

12/11/11
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Oklahoma History Center Launches Website for New Movie Exhibit

This week the Oklahoma History Center launched a website to encourage Oklahomans to be part of a new major exhibit titled Oklahoma @ The Movies which will open in May 2012. The site allows users to share their experiences and memories of their local movie theater. The website houses a large database of Oklahoma theaters along with information and photographs. The museum is asking visitors to not only share stories, but items or photographs relating to the industry. The web address is www.okhistory.org/movies.

Historic theaters bridging decades of change will be featured, including the Coleman in Miami, the Poncan in Ponca City, and the many ornate marquees that still grace the streets of Oklahoma's towns and cities. These historic theaters of Oklahoma will be the highlight of the "in front of the screen" section of the exhibit. The theme will explore our "shared memories," taking people back in time to those magical moments when reality was suspended for a short time.

The Inasmuch Foundation has awarded the Oklahoma History Center a grant for $250,000 to develop the exhibit focusing on a number of Oklahomans who have either been in front of or behind the camera working in various capacities. The exhibit will explore film stories about Cowboys and Westerns, American Indians and Hollywood, African American movies filmed in the state, the film industry in Oklahoma, and the "Oklahoma Image" on screen.

Filmmakers, including all roles of crafting a movie, will populate the "behind the screen" part of the exhibit. These stories will focus on film industry pioneers such as cinematographer Buss Boggs (Oklahoma City); film editor Elmo Williams (Lone Wolf); public relations executive Stan Rosenfield (Oklahoma City); producer Gray Fredrickson (Oklahoma City); writer S.E. Hinton (Tulsa); art director K.K. Barrett (Tulsa); and academy award-winning directors Blake Edwards (Tulsa) and Ron Howard (Duncan).

Oklahoma's vast number of actors will provide the magic of the "on screen" section of the exhibit. This creative talent ranges from early cinema heroes such as Tom Mix and Will Rogers to the current roster of stars. Hundreds of stories, many told by the stars themselves, will include the Oklahoma roots and Hollywood careers of Joan Crawford (Lawton), Gene Autry (Berwyn), James Garner (Norman), Tony Randall (Tulsa), Mary Kay Place (Tulsa), Dudley Dickerson (Chickasha), Gary Busey (Tulsa), Vera Miles (Boise City), Ben Johnson (Foraker), Ed Harris (Oklahoma City), Jennifer Jones (Tulsa), Alfre Woodard (Tulsa), Wes Studi (Nofire Hollow), Tim Blake Nelson (Tulsa), and Chuck Norris (Ryan).

SONIC, America's Drive-In and the Oklahoma History Center Team Up

(Sonic) Nancy Love Robertson, VP-Communications
(405) 225-5600

01/17/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

SONIC, America's Drive-In and the Oklahoma History Center are teaming up for education. Through a special partnership, SONIC will sponsor a series of interpretive programs at the museum and provide support for Oklahoma National History Day. This partnership will directly impact thousands of students, adults, and families.

In February the Oklahoma History Center will host two unique living history programs. On February 2, 2012 the museum will host An Evening with James Anderson. Anderson served as one of George Washington's farm managers and distillers. The program will provide first-hand accounts of life at the Washington estate and cover topics such as slave life, farming, and distillery operations. In addition to the evening program scheduled for 7:00PM at the museum Mount Vernon's interpreter will participate in special programs at Colonial Days in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for hundreds of students. On February 9, 10, and 11 President Abraham Lincoln will make his way to the History Center for a series of student programs, a public performance, and a family day. This special Sesquicentennial program will bring the Civil War to life and touch on President Lincoln's relationships to the tribes in Oklahoma during the war. Student programs are scheduled for February 9 and 10 at 10:00AM and 11:30AM. On Thursday, February 9 the museum will open its doors for an evening performance scheduled to begin at 7:00PM. Families are invited to come and meet Lincoln and participate in special activities from 10:00AM - 2:00PM on Saturday February 11. An additional living history program is planned for July 5, 2012 with Benjamin Franklin.

SONIC's support goes beyond just programming. SONIC is a longtime supporter of National History Day in Oklahoma. History Day promotes the study of history by engaging students and teachers in the process of historical inquiry and creative interpretation. Last year 5,500 students participated in local, regional, state, and national History Day events. Oklahoma National History day allows students the opportunity to practice the craft of the historian and present their interpretation of our past in a variety of venues including exhibits, websites, documentaries, and performances.

Sponsorships such as SONIC's have a direct impact on our museum visitors and students across the state. These partnerships provide the chance to participate in extraordinary programs bringing the past to life. For more information on any of the programs please contact Jason Harris at 405-522-0785 or by email at jharris@okhistory.org.

History Center Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Birth of Woody Crumbo

Tara Damron
(405) 522-0784

01/23/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center will host a special 100th birthday celebration in honor of the world famous Citizen Potawatomi artist, Woody Crumbo. On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., a preview of Woody Crumbo's artwork will be held along with a special program honoring the life and career of this great artist. Special guests for the event will include Minisa Crumbo Halsey, daughter of the late Woody Crumbo and wife of entertainment impresario Jim Halsey. The public is invited to the celebration and admission is free.

Woody Crumbo was born January 31, 1912, on his mother's allotment near Lexington, Oklahoma. He dedicated his life and talent to the sincere portrayal of American Indian thought and culture through his art.

For the first time in 50 years, the Oklahoma History Center and Minisa Crumbo Halsey have assembled Woody Crumbo's complete American Indian Dancer series will be on display that evening. Another part of the program will feature of group of American Indian dancers, assembled by Jim Anquoe, performing the "Scalp Dance."

On June 21, 2012, the Oklahoma History Center and Minisa Crumbo Halsey will co-sponsor the new Woody Crumbo Centennial Exhibit, which will showcase the artwork of Crumbo. The exhibit will include silkscreens, etchings, drawings, and paintings by the renowned artist. Crumbo's famous 'Spirit Horse,' along with his acclaimed, 'Spotted Wolf's Last Request,' will be featured in the exhibit.

Minisa Crumbo Halsey is a talented artist as well whose work has been shown throughout Europe and is in private collections. The exhibit will include some of her latest art work in addition to that of her father.

For more information, contact Tara Damron at (405) 522-0784 or by email at tdamron@okhiistory.org.

An Evening with James Anderson

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0765

01/30/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Title: An Evening with James Anderson

Where:
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-522-0765

When: February 2, 2012

Cost: Free

The Oklahoma History Center presents an evening with James Anderson at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday February 2, 2012. The museum doors will open at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. Seating is first come and open to the public.

This first person living history program will explore life at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate through the eyes of James Anderson, one of the first president's farm managers and distillers. Mr. Anderson will explore George Washington's work ethic and the evolution of his farming practices, changing from tobacco production to grains. Anderson will share how he influenced George Washington to start distilling Whiskey and how it led the president to become the largest distiller in the United States. In addition, Mr. Anderson will discuss the life of the slave at Mount Vernon under George Washington.

An Evening with James Anderson is made possible by SONIC, America's Drive-In. SONIC's support allows the museum to bring history to life through interpretive programs and other unique student events. In addition, the Oklahoma History Center's partnership with George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens allows the citizens of Oklahoma access to unique programs exploring the life of our nation's first president George Washington.

For more information please visit our website www.okhistorycenter.org or call 405-522-0765.

Tracing Our Roots: Oklahoma's Historically Black Towns

Bruce Fisher
(405) 522-5049

01/31/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center presents a special program titled "Tracing Our Roots: Oklahoma's Historically Black Towns" this Saturday, February 4, 2012 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Admission to the program is free and children are welcome to attend. The History Center is located at 800 Nazhi Zuhdi Drive, on NE 23rd Street just east of the State Capitol.

The program will include the following:
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. performance by the Langston University Marching Band and Jazz Band, demonstration of the first online Oklahoma African American History Coloring Book, and viewing of very rare footage of film shot in Oklahoma Historical Black towns from 1924 to 1929.

7:30 p.m. Self-guided tour of African American exhibit "Realizing The Dream."

8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Concert featuring musical sensation Eldridge Jackson.

The program is presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society Black Heritage Committee and the Langston University Music Department. For additional information, contact Bruce Fisher at brucefisher@okhistory.org or by phone at (405) 522-5049.

Abraham Lincoln and the Indians

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

02/06/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center will host Abraham Lincoln for a series of student programs, an evening public performance this week. This special Sesquicentennial program will feature nationally known Lincoln interpreter Fritz Klein. The program will bring America's Civil War to life for students and adults and touch on President Lincoln's relationship to Indian tribes. This first-person living history event will put the war into context while highlighting connections to the people of 19th Century Oklahoma.

Special performances for student groups will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 and Friday Feb. 10.

On Thursday, February 9, the History Center will open its doors at 6:00 PM for a free evening program. The program will begin at 7:00 PM and is family friendly. Admission is free and seating is first-come.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 11, families are invited to meet Lincoln and participate in special activities.

Student groups may sign up for special performances at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on February 9 & 10. Registration is required for your school to participate. To register your school group please contact Jason Harris at jharris@okhistory.org or 405-522-0785.

This program is sponsored by SONIC, America's Drive-In.

For more information about the museum or its programs, call 522-0765.

New Leader Named for Historic Fort Gibson

Kathy Dickson (405) 522-5231
or David Fowler (918) 478-4088

12/05/12
Fort Gibson, OK
For Immediate Release

After thirty years of service with the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS), Chris Morgan retired from his position as director of the Fort Gibson Historic Site at the end of September. With Morgan’s retirement, David Fowler, director of the George Murrell Home in Park Hill, was asked to temporarily expand his duties to oversee operations at Fort Gibson as well.

“With the change of personnel we decided to take a step back and look at our operations to make certain we were making the best possible use of our resources,“ noted Kathy Dickson, director of museums and historic sites division at the OHS. “As a result, Fowler’s role was made permanent and expanded to serve as the director for the George Murrell Home, Fort Gibson, and Cabin Creek, a Civil War battlefield near Vinita,” continued Dickson.

The OHS will be working toward hiring an additional interpreter at the Murrell Home to assist with staffing at that location since Fowler’s new duties will require more travel.

Fowler is a graduate of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation and has an extensive background in American Indian history and historical interpretation, with emphasis on the Cherokees and their removal to Indian Territory. Fowler began his OHS career in 2001 as an interpreter at Fort Gibson, but prior to being employed at the site, he volunteered many hours helping to present programs. In 1999 he founded the 6th Infantry Living History Association which helps with living history programs at the fort. Fowler is also is a charter member of the USS Batfish Association. The members present public programs at this World War II submarine in Muskogee.

In July 2009 Fowler moved to Park Hill to serve as the director of the Murrell Home, Oklahoma’s only surviving plantation-style, antebellum home.

Fowler was responsible for the development of the very successful Civil War Teacher’s Institute that has been held the past two summers with the help of the Friends of the Murrell Home and with the financial support of the Oklahoma Humanities Council.

“I am looking forward to the challenges of the new position,” stated Fowler. “My first two priorities are moving forward with the restoration work on the stockade and building a closer relationship with the community.”

“David is the kind of leader who will help the Oklahoma Historical Society be more effective,” said Dr. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the OHS. “He is creative, dedicated, and willing to work with other groups and organizations who share our passion for Historic Fort Gibson and the regional history of Muskogee, the Creek and Cherokee nations, and the Indian Territory.”

Special Open House for Oklahoma History Center Volunteers March 31, 2012

Robbin Davis
(405) 522-0754

03/27/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

If you are a volunteer, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please mark your calendars to attend a special open house on Saturday, March 31st from 1pm to 4pm at the Oklahoma History Center. The History Center is located on NE23rd Street just east of the State Capitol.

A tour of the museum will be offered at 2:30pm and preregistration is required. Please be sure to let us know you are coming if you would like to participate in the tour.

Please call Robbin Davis at (405)522-0754 or email volunteers@okhistory.org, if you have questions about becoming a volunteer.

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Lynda Ozan
(405) 522-4478

03/12/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce a new National Register of Historic Places listing. The newest listing from Oklahoma includes one property from Snyder, Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation's official list of properties significant in our past.

The Joyce House designed in 1960 by Herb Greene is a significant example of organic architecture. Located in Snyder, Oklahoma it is one of two resources design by Greene in Snyder and is the only example of a residence in both Snyder and Kiowa County designed by Herb Greene. The Joyce House, considered one of Greene's finest works, is a collaborative effort between Greene and the owners. The Joyce's discarded several designs by other architects and hired Greene as he understood the importance of designing a building to fit the site, a granite-outcropping, and to accommodate the client's unusual collection of furnishings. A true representation of organic architecture, the natural environment served as the design framework for the Joyce House.

For detailed information, contact Lynda Ozan at 405/522-4478 or email lozan@okhistory.org.

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Lynda Ozan
(405) 522-4478

03/22/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce three new National Register of Historic Places listing. The newest listings from Oklahoma include: one historic district, an archeological site and a railroad resource. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation's official list of properties significant in our past.

The Downtown Norman Historic District, located in Norman, Cleveland County, is significant for its association with historic commercial activities in Norman. As the core of the central business district, this area has been the center of commercial development in Norman from shortly after its founding in 1889 to the present. The vast majority of construction in the area was completed by 1960, with most commercial construction activity after this time being in the form of renovations and a small number of infill construction projects. The buildings in the Downtown Norman Historic District reflect the commercial growth of this community, growth spurred by agricultural prosperity, proximity to transportation routes, and the University of Oklahoma. The nomination was prepared by Kelli Gaston for the City of Norman.

The Heerwald site, located in Custer County, is significant as it represents a village of the incompletely understood Turkey Creek phase, A.D. 1200-1450. The presence of intact cultural deposits and subsurface features indicates this site has the potential to provide important information on the subsistence, trade, site structure, and other socio-economic activities of groups in the Washita River basin of west-central Oklahoma 600-800 years ago. From the investigations of 34CU27, the site can provide additional information concerning diet, tool industry, town layout, and other aspects of Plains Villager life leading up to the precontact coalescent or "protohistoric" period. The Heerwald site has the potential to answer many basic questions concerning the Turkey Creek phase and the lifestyle of these people during the 13th through early 15th centuries.

The Santa Fe Depot in Ponca City is significant for its association with rail transportation in Ponca City from its construction in 1911 until its remodeling at the end of World War II. It is also significant as a notable and unique example of a modified Mission/Colonial Revival style combination passenger and freight depot. The nomination was prepared for the City of Ponca City by Kelli Gaston.

For detailed information, contact Lynda Ozan at 405/522-4478 or email lozan@okhistory.org.

Media Advisory - Project OKPOP - News Conference Announcing $20,000 Grammy Foundation Award

Susan Hardy Brooks
(405) 905-9471

03/30/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

WHO:
Carolyn Wills, daughter of Oklahoma artist Bob Wills, will announce the grant on behalf of the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Bob Wills Heritage Foundation. The Wills family recently donated the entire Bob Wills collection to the Oklahoma Historical Society. The collection will be featured at OKPOP, a statewide pop culture museum planned for the Brady Arts District in downtown Tulsa.

WHAT: The $20,000 grant from the Grammy Foundation (one of only 12 grants in the nation) will fund the conversion of the Bob Wills Heritage Foundation collection of glass discs from the 1940's. The collection contains around 600 hours of material from Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys that would otherwise be inaccessible, including reel-to-reel tapes that have already been digitized by OHS.

WHERE:
Oklahoma City Capitol 4th floor Rotunda
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd,
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

WHEN:
April 4, 2012, Bob Wills Day in Oklahoma
News conference featuring Carolyn Wills 1pm
Musicians performing Wills' music 9-11 am and 1:30-3pm
Carolyn Wills speaks in the House Chamber 1:45 pm

WHY:
Several items from the Bob Wills collection will be on display. Reporters who attend the news conference will receive a CD of digital photos and never-before-heard digital audio clips.

Project OKPOP supports the development of OKPOP, a statewide museum that will feature Oklahoma's creative spirit and the state's own OKPOP stars from music, movies, radio, television and literature. As the nation's "crossroads of creativity," Oklahoma is the best place to preserve our creative culture. www.projectokpop.com

Oklahoma Historical Society Annual Meeting Plans Announced

Dr. Paul Lambert
(405) 522-0317

03/28/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Annual Meeting of the Oklahoma Historical Society is scheduled for April 18, 19, and 20 in Miami, Oklahoma, Annual Meeting Committee Chair Leonard Logan has announced. All of the program sessions and evening events will take place at the elegant Coleman Theatre, while the luncheons on Thursday and Friday will be staged in the Bruce Carter Student Center on the campus of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.

To alleviate any problems with parking or finding the venues, shuttle bus transportation will be provided from the convention hotels to the Coleman Theater and to the luncheons at NEO.

The theme of the annual meeting this year is "Crossroads of Creativity: The Impact of Oklahoma on Popular Culture." Festivities will begin Wednesday evening with a Coffeehouse Concert at the Coleman Theatre. Headlining the program will be Mason Williams (vocals/guitar), who played folk music in coffeehouses in Oklahoma before finding fame as a composer, recording artist, comedy writer, author, and poet.

Other notable performers will include Steve Brainard (vocals/guitar/banjo), Bill Cheatwood (guitar/banjo), Baxter Taylor (vocals/guitar), Amber Vallee (concertina), Shanda McDonald (fiddle), Kathy Dagg (mandolin/guitar), Ed Petitt (vocals/guitar), Art Eskridge (vocals/guitar), Richard Sharp (vocals/bass), and Mike Flynn(vocals).Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the concert will begin at 7:30 pm. It will be free of charge to the public. The event will be the "kickoff" event for the OHS Annual Meeting.

Program sessions on Thursday, April 19, and Friday, April 20, will feature presentations on topics such as The Image of American Indians in Movies and Popular Culture, Images of Oklahoma in Popular Culture, Oklahomans and the Visual Arts, The Coffeehouse Era in Oklahoma, Impact of Oklahomans on Images of the American West, Music and Folklore from the Oklahoma Oil Patch, Oklahomans Who Have Impacted the Popular Culture of the United States, Music Festivals and Circuses in Rural Oklahoma, Oklahoma's Contributions to Jazz and Blues, Oklahoma Authors and Cartoonists, and The Tulsa Drummers.

The Tulsa Drummers session be moderated by Cleve Warren, a professional drummer and Adjunct Professor at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Oklahoma City. Drummers will include Chuck Blackwell, Jimmy Karstein, David Teegarden, and Jamie Oldaker.

Blackwell, the Godfather of Tulsa Rock and Roll drummers, played with The Everly Brothers, Taj Mahal, Joe Cocker, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Leon Russell, Freddie King, as well as various Tulsa bands.

Karstein has played with Leon Russell, The Everly Brothers, Gary Lewis and The Playboys, Buffalo Springfield, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Joe Cocker, Taj Mahal, Billy Lee Riley, The Tractors, and Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert Band. He also has toured with famed Oklahoma singer-songwriter J. J. CaleFor the last 35 years.

Teegarden, who played with Leon Russell, J. J. Cale, and Teegarden and VanWinkle, served as the drummer for Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band. He is an active studio musician and owner of Natura Digital Studios.

Oldaker is best known for important contributions to Eric Clapton's recording career. He also recorded with Bob Seger, Stephen Stills, Peter Frampton, and The Tractors. He is an active recording artist now residing in Austin, Texas.

The Annual Membership Luncheon on April 19 will feature Mason Williams as the Keynote Speaker. Thursday evening will feature "An Evening of Elegance at the Coleman Theatre," while the Annual Awards Luncheon will take place on Friday.

The general public is welcome to register to attend. To receive a registration form and additional information, individuals may email Paul Lambert at plambert@okhistory.org or telephone him at 405-522-5217.

Heritage Center Wins Innovator of the Year Award

Andi Holland
(580) 237-1907 x223

04/11/12
Enid, OK
For Immediate Release

The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center was recently chosen by The Journal Record as a 2012 recipient of the Innovator of the Year Award for Innovative Partnership between a state agency and a local organization. The new Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is the result of a unique operating partnership between the Oklahoma Historical Society which supplies the museum staff and owns and manages the facility and the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Inc., a local non-profit that raised $10 million for the facility transformation and oversees daily operations.

The awards dinner was held on April 5 at the Tulsa Renaissance Convention Center in Tulsa. Forty-Four Oklahoma companies and organizations from a broad spectrum of commerce were honored for their innovative technologies, products and programs. The overall winner of the evening was Dr. David Albert of AliveCor who developed an electrocradiogram app for Smartphones.

The Journal Record is an established leader in recognizing companies that foster economic development in Oklahoma. Each spring the Innovator of the Year Awards are held to celebrate business innovation by honoring Oklahomans who set themselves apart with products and services that change the marketpalace and make the state a better place to live and work.

For more information on the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center visit the website at www.csrhc.org.

Oklahoma Historical Society Partners with Local Church to Open "Century Chest"

Chad Williams
(405) 522-5207

04/18/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

On April 22, 1913, a "Century Chest" was buried in the basement of the First English Lutheran Church (now the First Lutheran Church of Oklahoma City) at 1300 North Robinson. The ceremony was witnessed by a capacity crowd including Governor Lee Cruce and other notable Oklahoma residents.

Through a century of dutiful vigilance the congregation of the First Lutheran Church has guarded the "Century Chest" in order that on April 22, 2013 the chest would be unearthed and the past would come alive. The church has partnered with the Oklahoma Historical Society in order that the treasures of 1913 are preserved and exhibited at the Oklahoma History Center.

The church and Oklahoma Historical Society are trying to locate as many descendants of members of the church from 100 years ago as possible. Descendants may contact Chad Williams at the Oklahoma History Center at (405) 522-5207 or by email at chadw@okhistory.org.

Contents of the chest include Indian relics donated by Oklahoma's Native American tribes, a quilt stitched with the names of over 700 Oklahoma citizens, newspapers, photographs, paintings, books, poetry, and more than 40 messages from clubs and organizations in 1913 to their counterparts in 2013. In addition, the chest contains other 1913 period items. A Kodak camera, phonograph, telephone, coins, clothing, the pen with which President McKinley signed the free homes bill for Oklahoma, and a poster advertising the first 4th of July celebration ever held in Oklahoma City.

The First Lutheran Church of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Historical Society hope that all Oklahomans will take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience as the voices, messages, and artifacts preserved within the "Century Chest" are shared with a new generation of Oklahomans.

Three events are in the planning stages. An unearthing ceremony at the First Lutheran Church of Oklahoma City, a special live opening of the chest at the Oklahoma History Center, and later a major exhibit at the History Center revealing all of the historic treasures recovered from the "Century Chest".

For more information e-mail centurychest@okhistory.org or call 405-522-5207.

Heritage Center honored at fifth annual ONE Awards

Andi Holland
(580) 237-1907 x223

04/20/12
Enid, OK
For Immediate Release

The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center was named a finalist in the Arts & Humanities category for the Barnett Family Foundation and the Moran Family Foundation Award at the fifth annual Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards in Tulsa held on April 14. In total, eight agencies were named winners of their unique category of service, and 16 received finalist awards. Oklahoma FFA Foundation was named the overall winner of the event and was awarded the $10,000 Charles Schusterman Award for Excellence. In total, nearly $150,000 was awarded to 24 of the state's top nonprofits.

The ONE Awards, hosted annually by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, is a celebratory event that honors nonprofits throughout the state for serving and inspiring their communities.

Paula Huck, event chair of the 2012 ONE Awards, praised the work of this year's finalists.

"The 24 finalists honored this evening continually help to educate, enrich and encourage Oklahomans every day," Huck said. "Their commitment to excellence has set them apart."

The Cherokee Strip Reigonal Heritage Center in Enid is the first regional heritage center in the State of Oklahoma. The Heritage Center tells the story of the 1893 Land Run, the largest land run in American history, and the development of Northwest Oklahoma.

Dr. David Russell, Chairman of the Board of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center said, "It is quite an honor for the Heritage Center to be recognized as a leading non-profit in the state. The Heritage Center's motto is to Claim our Past and Inspire our Future. This award affirms that our organization is taking the right steps to accomplish those goals.

Dr. David Russell, Chairman and Andi Holland, Director, accepted the award on behalf of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. The organization was also awarded a $5,000 monetary gift.

Joe Moran, Board Chair of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, commended the winners and finalists.

"Our board understands the hard work and dedication of this year's finalists," Moran said. "We work directly with our nonprofits, which is why we are here to celebrate those accomplishments. Our board believes these organizations are most deserving of this recognition, and we are proud to honor them."

Finalists for the ONE Awards are nominated and selected by a Commission chaired by J. Jerry Dickman of Tulsa. The Commission comprises community leaders from throughout the state and meets annually to identify and reward nonprofits that exhibit excellence in service.

The Commissioners include: Michael Cawley, Ardmore; Nance Diamond, Shawnee; Frederick Drummond, Pawhuska; Ken Fergeson, Altus; R.H. Harbaugh, Tulsa; Kim Henry, Oklahoma City; David Hogan, Tulsa; Phil Lakin, Tulsa; Frank Merrick, Oklahoma City; Polly Nichols, Oklahoma City; and the Rev. George Young, Oklahoma City.

"Our Commission nominated each finalist based on their overall impact and organizational accountability," Huck said. "We are all very proud of the work of each nonprofit honored at the ONE Awards."

Of nonprofits nominated from across the state, 24 were selected as finalists in one of eight categories of service. The winners in each category received $7,500, and the two other finalists received $5,000.

COMPLETE LIST OF ONE AWARDS WINNERS:
The Barnett Family Foundation & Moran Family Foundation Award: Arts and Humanities
Finalists: Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Inc.; Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Winner: Tulsa Ballet

Devon Energy Award: Community
Finalists: Bridges; Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
Winner: The Homeless Alliance, Inc.

H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Foundations Award: Education
Finalists: Oklahoma City Community College Foundation; Tulsa Community College Foundation
Winner: Street School, Inc.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma & Potts Family Foundation Award: Health Services
Finalists: Emergency Infant Services, Inc.; Oklahoma Project Woman
Winner: Hearts for Hearing

George Kaiser Family Foundation Award: Self-Sufficiency
Finalists: Christian Helping Hands; Southwestern Youth Services, Inc.
Winner: Family Promise of Lawton

Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation & Herman Kaiser Foundation Award: Seniors
Finalists: Metropolitan Better Living Center, Inc. (MBLC); OASIS Adult Day Services
Winner: Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment, Inc. (D-DENT)

Hardesty Family Foundation, Inc. Award: Sports and Recreation
Finalists: The Miracle League of Edmond; Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation
Winner: Life Change Academy dba Life Change Ballroom

Chesapeake Energy Corporation Award: Youth Development
Finalists: Calm Waters Center for Children and Families; Crosstown Learning Center, Inc.
Winner: Oklahoma FFA Foundation

Oklahoma History Center Opens "Oklahoma @ the Movies"

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

05/09/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is opening a new major exhibit titled "Oklahoma @ The Movies," celebrating Oklahomans' involvement with the motion picture industry. The exhibit will open to the public Tuesday, May 15. This celebration will showcase the creativity and innovation of Oklahomans and their legacy of creating, starring in, and watching motion pictures on the silver screen. The exhibit will also explore film stories about Cowboys and Westerns, American Indians and Hollywood, African American movies filmed in the state, the film industry in Oklahoma, and the "Oklahoma Image" on screen.

Filmmakers, including all roles of crafting a movie, populate the "behind the screen" part of the exhibit. These stories focus on film industry pioneers such as cinematographer Buss Boggs (Oklahoma City); film editor Elmo Williams (Lone Wolf); public relations executive Stan Rosenfield (Oklahoma City); producer Gray Fredrickson (Oklahoma City); writer S.E. Hinton (Tulsa); art director K.K. Barrett (Tulsa); and academy award-winning directors Blake Edwards (Tulsa) and Ron Howard (Duncan).

Oklahoma's vast number of actors will provide the magic of the "on screen" section of the exhibit. This creative talent ranges from early cinema heroes such as Tom Mix and Will Rogers to the current roster of stars. Hundreds of stories, many told by the stars themselves, will include the Oklahoma roots and Hollywood careers of Joan Crawford (Lawton), Gene Autry (Berwyn), James Garner (Norman), Tony Randall (Tulsa), Hopalong Cassidy (Tulsa), Kay Francis (Oklahoma City), Mary Kay Place (Tulsa), Dudley Dickerson (Chickasha), Gary Busey (Tulsa), Lon Chaney, Jr. (Oklahoma City), Vera Miles (Boise City), Ben Johnson (Foraker), Ed Harris (Oklahoma City), Jennifer Jones (Tulsa), Robert Knott (Oklahoma City), Alfre Woodard (Tulsa), Wes Studi (Nofire Hollow), Jeanne Tripplehorn (Tulsa), Brad Pitt (Shawnee), Tim Blake Nelson (Tulsa), and Chuck Norris (Ryan).

Historic theaters bridging decades of change will be featured, including the Coleman in Miami, the Poncan in Ponca City, and the many ornate marquees that still grace the streets of Oklahoma's towns and cities. These historic theaters of Oklahoma will be the highlight of the "in front of the screen" section of the exhibit. The theme will explore our "shared" memories, taking people back in time to those magical moments when reality was suspended for a short time.

Oklahoma @ The Movies is an example of the type of exhibit that would typify The OKPOP, the Oklahoma Historical Society's proposed museum of Oklahoma Popular Culture that would be located in the Brady Arts District of downtown Tulsa.

This exhibit is made possible by: Inasmuch Foundation, Express Employment Professionals and Distinctly Oklahoma. Additional support was provided by:
Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City University, DeadCenter Film Festival, Harkins Theatre, Circle Cinema, and the Will Rogers Memorial.

Register Now for Statewide Preservation Conference

Melvena Heisch
(405) 522-4484

05/15/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical society is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Go with the Flow of Preservation: Oklahoma's 24th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference, June 6-8, in Tahlequah, Capital of the Cherokee Nation.

The conference program includes three concurrent tracks of sessions:
TRACK A: Currents in Our History, focusing on the Trail of Tears, tribal preservation programs, the Civil War, and more;
TRACK B: Second Voyages for Historic Buildings, featuring restoration/rehabilitation case studies for projects of all sizes; and
TRACK C: Charting a Course for Sustainable Communities, guiding preservation leaders to resources for successful local preservation programs.

The June 8 Plenary Session follows the flow of effective local preservation programs to vibrant communities with healthy economies. The two featured speakers are Jay Hannah, Executive Vice President of Financial Services, BancFirst, Oklahoma City and Jason Roberts, Principal, Team Better Block, Dallas.

Special events include the opening reception at the Thompson House and tours of Tahlequah and Park Hill. Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.'s annual meeting and luncheon and the State Historic Preservation Office's annual awards banquet will also be featured.

Conference cosponsors, in addition to the State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society; include the Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce; Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.; U. S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service; Tahlequah Main Street Association; Cherokee Nation Tourism; City of Tahlequah; Friends of the Thompson House; Northeastern State University; Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce; Tahlequah City Historic Preservation Advisory Board; Tahlequah Tourism; and United Keetoowah Band.

Program and registration details are now available at www.okhistory.org/shpo/spevents.htm;
www.okhistory.org/shpo/conference.htm;
www.twitter.com/okshpo; and
www.okpreservationconference.wordpress.com.

To request a hard copy of the registration brochure, call the SHPO at 405/521-6249 or send an email to bharris@okhistory.org. The deadline for conference registration at the "early bird" rate of $40 is May 30, and after that date and at the door the fee will be $50. To register online, go to http://www.tahlequahmainstreet.com/tmsa/events/preservationconference.aspx.

Grand Re-Opening of Oklahoma Route 66 Museum May 26, 2012

Pat Smith
(580) 323-7866

05/14/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

After 17 years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum has undergone a full renovation of its 8 exhibit galleries, bringing the facility into the 21st Century. The grand opening ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 2:00 p.m, during Clinton's 2012 Route 66 Festival. Activities are scheduled throughout the day, including special Route 66 guests, music, free museum admission and refreshments!

Following the designation of Route 66 as a scenic byway in 2007, the museum was awarded $120,000 in federal grant money from the National Scenic Byways Program and the Department of Transportation. The Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, INC. and the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) collaborated and raised the remainder of funds needed to complete the project.

The exhibits in the Route 66 Museum have not been updated since being built in 1995; and, they were beginning to show signs of wear. Not wanting to change the thematic approach, the museum will continue to tell the story of Route 66 by decade; but, through modern technology, patrons will have the opportunity to interact with the exhibits. For example, pre-recorded conversations and the more common sounds of a diner will be overheard as patrons sit in the booths located in museums Diner exhibit. Kiosks will be strategically placed loaded with games, video excerpts, and other interactive activities for patrons of all ages. An embedded children's tour will be a welcome addition, as caricatures of popular models of classic cars will guide them through the exhibits. The changes will create a more personal, hands-on Route 66 experience.

The Grand Opening ceremony will be held on May 26, 2012. Throughout the day of the Grand Opening ceremony, visitors can tour the museum at no charge! Route 66 author Jim Ross, Route 66 photographer Shellee Graham, and Route 66 author/artist Jerry McClanahan will host a book signing of their new collaborative work Route 66: Sightings. Prior to (and continued after the conclusion of) the ceremony, local musician Jared Deck, will perform the rock 'n roll hits heard during the heyday of Route 66.

The officiall ceremony, emceed by Jim Ross, will begin at 2pm, and will not interfere with Clinton's Route 66 Festival. Besides the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will induct two more members into the Route 66 Hall of Fame. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served to everyone.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge. If you have any questions or comments, please contact museum director Pat Smith, via email rt66mus@okhistory.org or via telephone (580) 323-7866.

History Comes Alive Cruises in Conjunction with Oklahoma River Cruises

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

06/11/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark your calendars and load up the family for an adventure on the Oklahoma River with the Oklahoma History Center and Oklahoma River Cruises.

Each Saturday April 18 - August 18 character interpreters from the Oklahoma History Center will join passengers on the Oklahoma River Cruises river boats for a trip unlike any other. Step back in time and experience the past first-hand as you make your way down the river. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged. Boarding begins 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

History Comes Alive cruises departs from the Regatta Park Landing at 12:30PM and from the Exchange Landing at 1:15PM each Saturday. Adult fare is $6.00 one way, seniors and Children age 6-12 $3.00 one way. Children under 6 ride free. See below for the current river boat program schedule.

6/16 Suffragist
6/23 Land Run
6/30 Cowboy
7/7 Territorial Marshal
7/14 Rosie the Riveter
7/21 Land Run
7/28 Union Soldier
8/4 Territorial Marshal
8/11 1890 Mail Order Bride
8/18 Cowboy

All programs are subject to change. For more information please visit www.okrivercruises.com or call 405-702-7755.

Wes Studi to Appear at Oklahoma History Center June 11, 2012, 7pm

Jeff Moore
(405) 522-0692

06/05/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Award-winning Cherokee actor Wes Studi will be the guest speaker at an Oklahoma version of "Inside the Actors' Studio" at the Oklahoma History Center, June 11, at 7:00 pm. The History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma city.

The discussion will be led by Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Topics for discussion will range from Studi's early life in Oklahoma and the image of American Indians in film to his roles in movies such as Dances With Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, and Geronimo. Photographs from his off-screen life and clips from some of his memorable roles in film will be shown.

In addition to the conversation with Wes Studi, the new museum exhibit "Oklahoma @ the Movies" will be open for tours starting at 6:00 pm.

Admission is free, but reservations will be required due to limited seating. Those interested in attending may RSVP by to Debbie Quinn at dquinn@okhistory.org or (405)522-3602.

For more information about Wes Studi, please visit his website at www.thestudigroup.com.

David Hall Book Signing Saturday, June 23, 2012

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5241

06/18/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Former Oklahoma Governor David Hall will hold a book signing Saturday, June 23, from 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. Hall will sign his memoir of conspiracy and personal politics titled Twisted Justice. The signing will be held in the foyer outside the museum store.

This book contains a unique life story filled with more twists and turns than any novel! Former Oklahoma Governor David Hall, after 30 years of silence, reveals the true story of a governor targeted for personal and political destruction during the halcyon days of the Watergate scandal, and its eerie parallel to current events.

Oklahoma History Center Celebrates Artist Woody Crumbo

Tara Damron
(405) 522-0784

06/20/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

"Crumbo Spirit Talk," a new exhibit featuring the art of Woody Crumbo and his children, will open June 28, 2012, at the Oklahoma History Center. Crumbo was born January 31, 1912, on his mother's allotment near Lexington, OK. A Citizen Potawatomi tribal member, he dedicated his life and talent to the sincere portrayal of American Indian thought and culture through his art. His prolific work included major advances in oil, silkscreen, tempera, pencil and watercolor. Crumbo's career spanned nearly six decades and his paintings are found in numerous museums and private collections around the world including that of the Queen of England.

Crumbo's legacy was realized in the continuing artwork of his daughter, Minisa Crumbo Halsey, and son, Woody Max Crumbo. Minisa Crumbo Halsey is a talented artist whose work has been shown throughout Europe and the Russian Federation. This exhibit will feature a retrospective of her work from the 1970s and 1980s. Woody Max Crumbo is a gifted silversmith, and there will be several pieces he created featured in the show, including a concho belt and gorget necklace. The legacy of Woody Crumbo's art continues to have an impact on current and future generations.

"Half of my life passed in striving to complete the pictorial record of Indian history."- Woody Crumbo

The exhibit will run from June 28, 2012 through May 29, 2013. It will be located in the E. K. & Thelma Gaylord Special Exhibits Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Minisa Crumbo Halsey and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

For more information please contact Tara Damron at (405) 522-0784 or by email at tdamron@okhistory.org.

Oklahoma History Center Presents Benjamin Franklin

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

07/02/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center will host a special day of activities with Benjamin Franklin on Thursday, July 5! Through a special partnership with SONIC, America's Drive-In, visitors of all ages will have the chance to meet Dr. Franklin, listen to stories of his scientific exploits, follow along as he recounts some of his famous inventions, and more. The program will provide first-hand accounts of one of America's Founding Fathers!

The museum will offer special activities with Benjamin Franklin at 10:00 AM for children of all ages. At 2:00 PM Benjamin Franklin will provide an afternoon matinee. At 6:00 PM the museum will open its doors for an extraordinary evening program scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. An Evening with Benjamin Franklin is a family friendly program and will bring the exploits of Dr. Franklin to life. Admission to the program is free and seating is first come.

Daughter of Dawn to be Released on DVD at Future Date

Bill Moore

07/19/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Daughter of Dawn is an 80-minute, six-reel silent film shot in May, June, and July of 1920 in the Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma. Eventually, the Oklahoma Historical Society will release DVD and Blu-ray versions that include director's cuts on the history of the film, the Indian history and material culture depicted, the Wichita Mountains, the buffalo herd that still runs free, and a special feature on one tipi in the movie.

It is a significant tipi given by Cheyenne Chief Nikko-se-vast to the Kiowa Chief Dohausen. The tipi in the movie was renewed in 1916 with images painted by Haungooah or Silverhorn and Stephen Mopope, one of the Kiowa Five. That very tipi was given to the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1928.

The story, played by an all-Indian cast of 300 Kiowas and Comanches, includes a four-way love story, two buffalo hunt scenes, a battle scene, village scenes, dances, deceit, courage, hand to hand combat, love scenes, and a happy ending. The Indians, who had been on the reservation less than fifty years, brought with them their own tipis, horses, clothing, and material culture. The lead actor is White Parker, the son of the great Comanche leader Quanah Parker.

The film features special music composed and performed for the showing. The original music composition is by David Yeagley. The score is performed by the Oklahoma City University Orchestra: Ben Nilles, Conductor; John Cross, Music Editor; Mark Parker, Dean of the School of Music; Robert Henry, OCU President.

The Story

In the film, the Daughter of Dawn is played by Esther LeBarre. Her character is the daughter of the Chief of the Kiowas, played by Hunting Horse. The two young men who are romantically interested in her are White Eagle, played by White Parker, and Black Wolf, played by Jack Sankadota. Dawn loves White, but the Chief says that Wolf has many ponies so he must consider both as potential husbands for his daughter. So, Wolf loves Dawn. Dawn loves White. White loves Dawn. And for good measure a fourth person is added to this love triangle. Red Wing, played by Wanada Parker, is in love with Wolf. Both White Parker and Wanada Parker were children of the Comanche Chief Quanah Parker.

The script for the movie was developed by Norbert Myles, an actor, writer, and director brought into the project by Richard Banks, who started the Texas Film Company in 1916. Myles wrote on the cover of his script that, "This story has been made possible by R.E. Banks, whose knowledge of the Indian, and of his traditions, was gained during the twenty-five years that he lived with them."

More Info

The Fall 1999 issue of the Chronicles of Oklahoma included an article by Oklahoma history teacher Leo Kelley about The Daughter of Dawn film. He based the article on 36 production photos housed at the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus and the original script of the film housed at the Library of Congress. From these two tools he pieced together the story of the film

Funding for this project was provided by: Lawton Community Foundation, McMann Foundation, National Film Preservation Foundation, Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Historical Society. Special thanks to the Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives and the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center.

For more information about Daughter of Dawn contact Bill Moore at bmoore@okhistory.org.

Septemberfest is Saturday, September 8, 2012

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

08/28/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Join the Oklahoma History Center and the Governor’s Mansion for the 16th Annual Septemberfest on September 8, 2012. This year’s event is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the activities and museum is free for the day!

Across the Red River Journey living history will bring the past to life.
Visit with WWII paratroopers, cowboys, and more. This year the Oklahoma Historical Society will bring Oklahoma history alive with learning stations, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and more from museums and historic sites from across the state. If you find the need for shade or just want a chance to cool off make sure to venture inside the History Center for performances from groups such as Santa Fe Stomp, Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, and more. While at the museum make sure and take a few minutes to take a peek at our new exhibit Oklahoma @ the Movies and stop by and visit the animal created art from the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

For more information please contact Jason Harris at 405-522-0785 or by email at jharris@okhistory.org.

WWII and the Movies: The Combat Soldier on the Big Screen

Jason Harris
(405) 522-0785

08/29/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Join historian Dr. James baker for a discussion on the portrayal of the WWII combat soldier in film from The Sands of Iwo Jima to Saving Private Ryan on August 30, 2012 at the Oklahoma History Center. The museum will open its doors at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM.

Dr. Baker will discuss the major interpretations of the combat soldier from John Wayne’s appearance as Sgt. John Stryker in The Sands of Iwo Jima to the realistic depictions of combat in Saving Private Ryan. Throughout the last six decades combat on the big screen has changed dramatically. Dr. Baker will look at some of the rational for the changes and how the public has responded.

Admission to the program is free. For more information on this program please contact Jason Harris at (405) 522-0785 or by email at jharris@okhistory.org.

SHPO Accepting Award Nominations

Melvena Heisch
(405) 522-4484

09/27/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Oklahoma Historical Society is now accepting nominations for its 2013 awards program. Know someone who rehabilitated an important historic building in your community? Protects an important archeological site located on their property? Worked with a dedicated group of volunteers to save an endangered historic landmark? Developed a walking tour for a historic district? These and many more projects and activities contribute to the preservation of Oklahoma's heritage. Help the SHPO recognize the many preservation success stories across the state by nominating worthy individuals, agencies, firms, or organizations from your community.

The SHPO's awards program includes the Shirk Memorial Award for Historic Preservation and the SHPO's Citation of Merit. The deadline for nominations is 5:00pm, Friday, December 7th, and candidates will be notified in February 2013 about the results of the selection process. The awards will be presented at the banquet during Oklahoma's 25th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference in Perry (June 5-7, 2013).

The Shirk Memorial Award for Historic Preservation is presented for historic preservation programs or activities that have had statewide impact. The SHPO's Citation of Merit is awarded for noteworthy accomplishments in historic preservation at the state or local level.

The SHPO will accept nominations in either electronic or hard copy format. To request nomination forms and instructions, contact Betty Harris at 405/521-6249 or bharris@okhistory.org. Or, obtain the information from the SHPO's website at http://www.okhistory.org/shpo/shpoawards.htm.

If you have questions about the awards criteria, contact Melvena Heisch at 405/522-4484 or mheisch@okhistory.org.

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Linda Ozan
lozan@okhistory.org

09/28/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce one new National Register of Historic Places listing. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

The Mayfair, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County is significant as an example of a property type that is specified in the multiple property form for “Midtown Brick Box Apartments, 1910-1935, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.” These apartments help convey the historic development and growth in the Midtown area of Oklahoma City. The Mayfair is among the last of the Midtown Brick Box Apartments to be constructed during the period of significance. The Midtown Brick Box Apartments represent a distinct alteration in the Midtown’s previous forms of multi-family dwellings such as wood-framed duplexes, or flats for two-, four- or six families. The Brick Box Apartments are significantly different from these housing forms and they provided amenities such as the “latest” in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as personal services that were not available in more basic multiple dwellings.

Perhaps more importantly, the Mayfair represents a portion of the city’s social history because it helps reflect the transitions in living areas for white collar workers, and it represents their ideas about what was acceptable apartment housing. When the Mayfair was constructed, most wealthy residents who settled in Midtown prior to 1910, had continued to move north both within Midtown and out of the Midtown area from 1910 to 1935. During this period, blue collar workers had continued to move north as well, moving further into Midtown but staying mostly south of NW10th Street. Midtown by 1930 tended to be white collar north of NW 10th Street, and blue collar south. The Mayfair’s location was in the northern most section of Midtown, an area where the more well-to-do moved as they continued their northward migration into other areas over several decades.

History Center Opening New Exhibit: Oklahoma Writers - A Literary Tableau

Larry O'Dell
(405) 522-6676

10/19/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is opening a new exhibit that will examine the significance of Oklahoma writers on Thursday, October 25, 2012.

The exhibit will focus on writers in a variety of mediums including historians, western writers, journalists, memoirists, playwrights and screen writers, literary novelists, mystery and crime writers, science fiction, fantasy and horror writers, young adult and children's writers, poets, and Oklahoma song writers.

The Oklahoma History Center sees this exhibit not only as a celebration of our heritage, but also as the beginning of a statewide literacy initiative. This is an exhibit visitors will want to see more than once because the OHC will be rotating artifacts throughout the next two years to keep the exhibit fresh and expand its outreach.

The Oklahoma History Center has partnered with the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers at OSU-Tulsa to launch an online database celebrating 50 authors. According to Teresa Miller, executive director of the OSU center and guest curator of the exhibit, "The plan is to steadily expand the database, making it a comprehensive research tool for anyone studying Oklahoma authors. We particularly want to reach out to teachers and students."

In 1835, Washington Irving published A Tour on the Prairies, a travelogue of his expedition to what would one day be Oklahoma. Regaling readers with tales of everything from bee hunts to buffalo hunts, Irving also captured the nuances of the land itself, noting "There is something inexpressibly lonely in the solitude of a prairie."

Oklahoma's terrain and the people who struggled to conquer it would continue to inspire generations of writers, like Irving, who never called the state "home." Novelists Edna Ferber (Cimarron, 1929) and John Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath, 1939) both wrote books which capture the essential paradox of Oklahoma. Ferber's work focuses on the 1889 and 1893 land rushes and those pioneers who competed to become Oklahoma stakeholders. Steinbeck's story highlights the Dust Bowl years and the desperate migration of Okies to California.

Many Oklahomans took exception to The Grapes of Wrath, convinced it stereotyped them as backward and the state as desolate. After its release, Congressman Lyle Boren denounced the book on the House floor, declaring it "an infernal creation."

More recently authors such as Toni Morrison and Jim Lehrer have visited Oklahoma through their writing. Morrison's novel, Paradise (1997), is set in an all-Black, fictional town of Ruby and explores the consequences of spiritual isolation. Lehrer's milieu is the larger world of Oklahoma politics. Some pundits credit his satire, Crown Oklahoma (1989), with jumpstarting the successful campaign to get a dome for the state capitol.

The Oklahoma History Center is planning a series of lectures and book signings featuring some of the writers whose works are part of the exhibit. These programs will be announced as they are developed.

For more information about this exhibit contact Larry O'Dell at (405) 522-6676 or by email at lodell@okhistory.org or David Davis at (405) 522-0798 or by email at ddavis@okhistory.org

Reigns Supreme: The Little Black Dress

Jill Holt
(405) 522-0794

12/18/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma History Center is featuring a new exhibit from the Textiles Collection titled “Reigns Supreme: The Little Black Dress.” This special exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, December 20, 2012.

With the introduction of the little black dress by Coco Chanel in 1926, women have turned to this fashion staple ever since. Simple, elegant, timeless, and classic are all terms that sum up the little black dress and its role in fashion history.

Drawing from the fashion collection of the Oklahoma Historical Society, this exhibit will showcase over thirty examples of the little black dress. Homage will be given to Audrey Hepburn for her role as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany’s," directed by Blake Edwards of Tulsa. An additional feature of this exhibit will focus on the Stork Club which was founded in New York by native Oklahoman Sherman Billingsley.

For more information contact Jill Holt, Curator of Textiles, at (405) 522-0794 or by email at jholt@okhistory.org

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Lynda Ozan
(405) 522-4478

12/21/12
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce three new National Register of Historic Places listings. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

The Gillespie Drilling Company building, located in downtown Cushing in Payen County and constructed ca. 1954, is one of Blaine Imel’s finest non-residential works. A true representation of organic architecture, the natural environment served as the design framework for the Gillespie Drilling Company building. Blaine Imel is an Oklahoma architect recognized for his conceptualization and realization of organic architecture reflecting site location, materials, client’s desires and the influence of his professor and mentor, Bruce Goff. With an architectural career spanning from 1950 to 2004, Blaine Imel was an important contributor to the twentieth-century modern and organic architecture movements in Oklahoma. The Gillespie Drill Company building is one of two non-residential resources design by Imel in Cushing.

The remaining two listings are the result of an on-going state-wide barn survey in Oklahoma. The two barns were identified in the survey by Brad Bays, professor in the Oklahoma State University Geography Department, as significant and Preservation Oklahoma sponsored their creation.

The Bennie L. Aupperle Dairy Barn, located in the vicinity of Newkirk in Kay County, is significant for its architectural style. It is a distinctive dairy barn that has been well-maintained since its date of construction in about 1934. The barn is Kay County’s best example of a pre-World War II-era dairy barn exhibiting characteristics of family dairy farming as it existed before mechanization and the subsequent rise of large commercial dairies. By the early 1950s most dairy farms, including this one, had fully mechanized. Mechanization of dairy farming eventually necessitated an increase in the size of individual operations, which made barns like this example completely obsolete by the 1970s.

The Elmer Baker Barn, located in the vicinity of Hooker in Texas County, is significant its architectural style. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of a large Transverse-crib barn dating to the state’s Territorial period found in Northwest Oklahoma.

For detailed information, contact Lynda Ozan at 405/522-4478 or email lozan@okhistory.org.

Leon Russell makes appearance in Tulsa to support OKPOP Museum

01/29/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Honey Springs Battlefield Designated National Historic Landmark

Kathy Dickson, Director Museums and Historic Sites Division
(405) 522-5231

03/11/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Honey Springs Battlefield is designated as one of 13 new national historic landmarks announced by the Director of the National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. The Honey Springs Battlefield is owned by the Oklahoma Historical Society and is one of several 19th century military sites important in Oklahoma history.

“This designation by the National Park Service is the latest piece of a broad partnership to share the tremendous significance of Honey Springs,” said Ryan McMullen, State Director of Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society in developing the community facilities needed to share such a significant historic site with the public.”

“This designation is the result of the work of many dedicated people who have worked toward this goal since the first piece of the battlefield was purchased for preservation in 1964,” commented Bob L. Blackburn, OHS Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer.

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) owns the majority of the property included in the nomination and is currently building a new interpretive center at the site with the support of the Friends of Honey Springs and the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program.

Dr. Blackburn, Lynda Ozan, SHPO National Register Coordinator, and Mary Jane Warde, historian, attended the November 7-8 meeting of the Landmarks Committee of the National Park System Advisory Board in Washington, D. C., to present the Honey Springs nomination and address questions from the Committee.

The Battle of Honey Springs was the largest engagement of the American Civil War fought in Indian Territory, and it had far reaching impact on Indian Territory, American national development, and the future State of Oklahoma. The Battle of Honey Springs (also called Elk Creek) was a turning point for the war in the Trans-Mississippi West. Prior to the battle on July 17, 1863, the Confederate forces were in full control of the areas below the Arkansas River and the areas north of the Arkansas River were in dispute. After the battle the Federals controlled the area north on the Canadian River and the area between it and the Red River were placed in dispute. The Confederate loss at Honey Springs led to the loss of Fort Smith and Western Arkansas. Honey Springs was the largest battle in which Indians, Blacks, and Whites fought with and against one another. It was the first major engagement where Black troops carried the day and perhaps the first major engagement where ex-slaves fought against their masters.

The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs will take place this summer, and a battle reenactment is planned November 9 and 10.

National historic landmarks are nationally significant historic places that possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. The program, established in 1935, is administered by the National Park Service. Currently there are 2,540 designated national historic landmarks.

The National Park Service works with preservation officials and other partners interested in nominating a landmark. Completed applications are reviewed by the National Park System Advisory Board, which makes recommendations for designation to the Secretary of the Interior. When selected, property ownership remains intact but each site receives a designation letter, a plaque, and technical preservation advice.

Information on all the designations can be found at www.nps.gov/history/nhl.
Information on the Honey Springs Battlefield can be found at www.okhistory.org/sites/honeysprings

New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Lynda Ozan
(405) 522-4478

03/25/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce two new National Register of Historic Places listings and one official Determination of Eligibility. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.

The Acre Family Barn, located in the vicinity of Canton in Blaine County, is an example of a Transverse-crib barn dating to ca. 1916. The traditional floor plan of a Transverse-crib barn is simple: a central aisle running parallel to the ridgeline flanked on both sides by a row of three or more square cribs, which–individually or in combination–serve as stalls, granaries, or storage space. A haymow or “loft” for hay and/or grain storage is above ground level. A wagon door is in one or both gable ends of the barn. The Acre Family Barn was listed for its architectural merit because it demonstrates the distinctive features of the Transverse-crib barn as it has been adapted for use in Oklahoma.

The United Founders Life Tower, located at 5900 Mosteller Drive in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County was designated for its architectural merit. It is a highly individual mid-twentieth century high-rise building that showcases a limited timeframe in which recent technological developments and the freedom to experiment in architecture gave rise to rare building forms and details, as exemplified in the folded plate roof system and unusual slender decagonal form of this tower, plus its cantilevered balconies. The unusual form of this building responds very well to its relatively isolated location at one of the highest elevations in the region, highly visible from nearby freeways and Lake Hefner. It helped to catalyze the development of the northwest side of Oklahoma City and facilitated the development of other high-rise buildings in the vicinity. United Founders Life Tower was a singular work of an architectural firm of regional renown and it displays innovative framing techniques as well as being an early example of design-build construction.

The Keeper of the National Register issued a formal Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for the third property, the Mummers Theater. Because the theater is private property and the owner objected to listing, it cannot be entered in the National Register. Therefore, the Keeper issued the DOE to confirm that the building does meet the National Register criteria.

The Mummers Theater at 400 West Sheridan, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County has been determined eligible for the National Register for its architectural merit at the national level and for exceptional significance. The Mummer’s Theater is a unique singular architectural sculpture which was the result of a specific design process borrowed from electronic boards; how they work, how elements are put in place, and how communication occurs to create the desired effect. It is the work of well-known nationally and internationally recognized Modern Movement ad-hoc architect, John M. Johansen. Constructed from drawings and sketches before computer aided-design programs were available, its design received international and national attention at the time and it became a recognized source of inspiration to other architects, such as Frank Gehry and Richard Rogers. It received the American Institute of Architecture highest award in 1972. It is used in architectural history books as one of the best examples of architectural ad-hocism and individuation. Johansen considered Mummers Theater the best work of his career.

For detailed information, contact Lynda Ozan at (405) 522-4478 or email lozan@okhistory.org.

Bob Wills @ the OKPOP

Michael Dean
(405) 522-5219

03/28/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) will host Bob Wills @ the OKPOP on April 10th at 7:30pm at the Oklahoma History Center. The event will feature musical entertainment by The Red Dirt Rangers and Byron Berline. Bob Wills's biographer, Dr. Charles Townsend, will be on hand with a special OKPOP announcement. The evening's highlight will be At Home with Bob Wills, a conversation with Carolyn Wills, daughter of Bob Wills. The event is open to the public. Admission is free, but seating is limited, please RSVP to 405.522.5202.

The event will honor the recently digitized WWII-era Bob Wills radio recordings. These rare glass recordings have been restored thanks to a grant from the Grammy Foundation. In 2011, the Bob Wills Family donated the Bob Wills Collection to the OKPOP Museum. The collection, which will serve as a cornerstone of the museum, features more than 350 photographs, hundreds of letters, documents, and promotional pieces, and numerous objects including fiddles, clothing, awards, and personal items. The Bob Wills Heritage Foundation donated the rare and unique collection of 130 WWII-era glass recordings, which were restored by the Grammy Foundation grant, and 35 reel to reels of Bob Wills live performances. This collection was assembled and preserved by Casey Dickens.

Wills and the Texas Playboys had a repertoire of some 3,000 songs in more than 50 years in the music industry, including classics such as "Take Me Back to Tulsa," "Faded Love," and "San Antonio Rose." In 1935, KVOO and Tulsa became the voice of Western Swing, and the band made Cain's Ballroom headquarters for their daily radio show. Wills became known as the "King of Western Swing." The OKPOP museum will be a 75,000-square-foot, four-story building dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahoma’s people and the influence of Oklahoma artists on popular culture around the world. The underlying theme of this innovative and interactive museum will be "Crossroads of Creativity," whether it is in the field of music, film, television, theatre, pop art, comic books, literature or humor.

With approval of the bond issue, the OKPOP Museum could open as early as 2017.

Oklahoma City Church Will Open 100-year-old Time Capsule

Jill Brown DeLozier
(405) 235-3500

03/29/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

On Monday, April 22, members of downtown Oklahoma City’s First Lutheran Church, along with preservation specialists, will unearth and publicly display the contents of a Century Chest time capsule buried 100 years ago under the church’s basement.

On the same date in 1913, exactly 24 years after the Land Run of 1889, the Ladies Aid Society at the church buried the container of significant items they called "The Century Chest." They had gathered the items from many notable Oklahoma families, businesses and professional organizations, and ordered, in writing, to future church members that the chest would be unearthed April 22, 2013.

From notes left by those who buried the chest, current church members know that the chest is approximately 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep, made of copper, and enclosed in double cement walls one foot under the ground. The exact placement of the chest is marked by a concrete cover at floor level with an inscription and date.

There is a book written by the original committee detailing the contents of the chest. According to the list, the chest includes items such as: original paintings, historical photographs, Native American relics and art, pottery, poems and musical compositions, a Kodak camera, Oklahoma City newspapers, a forecast of Oklahoma City in 2013 written by leading professional men, and much more.

A public event to view the contents of the Century Chest will be held Monday, April 22 at 10am at the First Lutheran Church, located at 1300 North Robinson Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City. The event, featuring the live opening of the chest, guest speakers and refreshments, is free and open to attendees of all ages, including school groups.

"The members of the First Lutheran Church have been dedicated to protecting the chest for 100 years, and they are excitedly awaiting the day we can finally see all the treasures our forefathers so thoughtfully sealed for us a century ago," said the church’s Pastor Jerry Peterson.

The church has partnered with the Oklahoma Historical Society to ensure the chest is removed by experts and that all the enclosed items are handled properly. The complete contents of the chest will be preserved and exhibited at the Oklahoma History Center later this year.

"The historical significance of The Century Chest is really beyond measure. There are no other large time capsules like this anywhere in the region that we know of. The items that are said to be in the chest are very valuable to our state and country’s history," said Chad Williams, director of research at Oklahoma Historical Society. “I’m anxious to see the condition of the items, although it sounds like they were very delicately preserved.”

Charlie Christian Music Festival Partners with the the Oklahoma Historical Society

Anita Arnold
(405) 524-3800

05/02/13
Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

Mark Temple, Chairman of the Charlie Christian International Music Festival, announced today that the 28th annual Charlie Christian Festival will partner with the Oklahoma Historical Society to present, "Ralph Ellison Understood Through Charlie Christian" at the Oklahoma History Center on June 4th at 7:00p.m. in the Chesapeake Room. The event is part of the Ralph Ellison Centennial Celebration.

"This first event is a program of music and narrative that tells the story of another aspect of Ralph Ellison's identity that is often missed by Ellison scholars. Little is said by Ellison scholars and critics about his love of jazz and blues music and Ellison's literary expressions using these two genres," Temple said. "We are excited about the program and early indications suggest that it will be well attended," Mr. Temple concluded.

The program will feature Taylor Made Jazz providing music integrated with some Charlie Christian Music, Jimmy Rushing and other memorable jazz and blues tunes throughout the story. James Johnson, President, of the National Frederick A. Douglass Alumni Association of Oklahoma City, will narrate the program. Both Ellison and Christian attended Douglass High School in Oklahoma City and were taught by Zelia N. Page Breaux, famous Oklahoma City music educator who was known nationally for her outstanding music programs. Dr. John Rhea, scholar and historian will provide interpretations and understandings often missed or misunderstood by others that add clarity and insights to the Ellison persona. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and those interested in attending should RSVP at (405)524-3800 by May 27, 2013.

This event is made possible by funding from the Oklahoma Humanities Council, Oklahoma Arts Council, Friends of the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society Archives, "Oklahoma City University's Ralph Ellison Centennial Fund" and the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society.

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