Oklahoma Historical Society Annual Meeting
April 16-18, 2008 - Ardmore Convention Center
View the complete Annual Meeting schedule.
Lodging
The conference hotels for the Annual Meeting are the SpringHill Suites by Mariott, 2501 Centennial Drive, and LaQuinta Inn, 2432 Veterans Boulevard, Ardmore.
Room rates at the SpringHill Suites by Mariott are $94 plus tax, single or double, and reservations are made by calling 580/226-7100. Room rates at the LaQuinta Inn are $60 plus tax, single or double, and reservations are made by calling 580/223-7976.
Individuals attending the Annual Meeting are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. Tell the desk clerk you are with the Oklahoma Historical Society to receive the special rate.
Directions to the Ardmore Convention Center
From the north, take I-35 South to Exit 33 in Ardmore. Turn left onto Veterans Boulevard, go under the interstate overpass to the first intersection, Rockford Road, and turn right.
From the south, take I-35 North to Exit 33 in Ardmore. Turn right onto Veterans Boulevard, then one block at the first intersection, Rockford Road, turn right.
Registration
A registration form has been mailed to all members of the Society. Please fill it out and return it with your registration payment as soon as possible. Registration packets with tickets and name tags will be available at the OHS registration table on Wednesday, April 16, at the Ardmore Convention Center beginning at 1:00 pm, and on Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, at the Ardmore Convention Center beginning at 8:00 am.
Members are encouraged to register early. There are a limited number of tickets for admission to special events and meals. The pre-registration deadline is April 9, 2008. A registration fee of $15.00 for OHS members and $20.00 for non-members is required regardless of the number of events you plan to attend. Because the Annual Meeting is a self-supporting function, the revenue is used to pay expenses. No refunds will be made after April 11, 2008. Click to view the printable registration form.
Reception
On Wednesday evening, April 16, the OHS will host a special reception at the Ardmore Convention Center. During the reception OHS will honor Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame members or their representatives. Join us as we recognize the accomplishments of our Hall of Fame members and for an evening of fellowship. Refreshments will be served. The cost for the reception is $5.00.
Paper Sessions
Concurrent paper sessions, each with two to four presenters and one moderator, on a wide variety of historical topics will be held on Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, at the Ardmore Convention Center.
Exhibit Area
On Thursday and Friday, an Exhibitors’ Area will be located the Valero Hall (main lobby) of the Ardmore Convention Center.
Coffee Breaks
On Thursday and Friday mornings, a break area with complimentary beverages will be located in the Valero Hall (main lobby) of the Ardmore Convention Center.
Luncheon
At 12:15 pm on Thursday, April 17, members and guests will gather in Salon C at the Ardmore Convention Center for a luncheon meal and speaker. The cost of the meal is $17.00. Ticket holders will select their seats on a first-come, first-served basis. The luncheon speaker is Galen Culver. A noted photojournalist, Mr. Culver will provide an engaging presentation on “Life along the Red River.”
Annual Membership Meeting
After the luncheon, at approximately 2:15 pm in Salon C, members will attend the OHS Annual Meeting of the Membership. OHS president Leonard Logan will describe the State of the Society; following will be the announcement and swearing-in of new Board members.
Optional Activities
On Thursday afternoon, April 13, participants will have free time to explore attractions in Ardmore including Central Park, the Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum, the Charles B. Goddard Center, the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, the Military Memorial Museum, the historic Ardmore walking and driving tour, and downtown antique shops.
Bus Ride to Fort Washita
On Thursday afternoon, April 17, OHS will offer a riding bus tour of historic points of interest from Ardmore to Fort Washita. The cost of the bus tour is $15.00. A guide will be aboard each bus to provide details about the historic sites along the way. Buses will depart from the Ardmore Convention Center promptly at 5:00 pm and return at approximately 9:00 pm after an evening at Fort Washita.
“An Evening at Fort Washita”
On Thursday evening, members will enjoy an evening of food, fun, fellowship, education, and entertainment at Fort Washita. During the evening we will have time to explore the fort grounds, to visit with period reenactors, and to enjoy other special entertainment. A BBQ dinner will be served. The cost of the meal is $18.00.
Awards Luncheon
The Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 18, will begin at 12:15 pm in Salon C of the Ardmore Convention Center. A luncheon meal will be served. The cost of the meal is $20.00. Ticket holders will select seats on a first-come, first served basis.
Following the meal, presentations will include the Muriel H. Wright Award, Joseph B. Thoburn Award, William D. Pennington Memorial Award, and awards for the Best Book on Oklahoma History, Outstanding Thesis on Oklahoma History, Outstanding Local Historical Society/Museum, Outstanding OHS Support Group, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
Credit Card Registration
To register by credit card (MasterCard or VISA), please call 800/750-4090 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST).
Arrangements have been made by the OHS Annual Meeting Planning Committee—Board Members Ken Rainbolt (chair), Daniel Lawrence, William Pennington, Lewis Stiles, and Sally Soelle, and OHS staff members and volunteers Pat Chaney, Dianna Everett, Lerene Hall, Gerald Krows, Paul Lambert, Geneva Little, Alma Moore, Bill Siemens, Linda Wilson, Tim Zwink, and Bob L. Blackburn.