Press Release
March 23, 2017
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
2017 Oklahoma History Conference Focuses on Northeastern Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY — The 2017 Oklahoma History Conference, hosted by the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) and sponsored by the Cherokee Nation, will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel in Catoosa, Okla., on April 26, 27 and 28. The conference will feature two bus tours, two luncheons, one dinner, a concert and presentations by 22 different speakers relating to the conference theme “Tall Tales and Blue Whales: The Cultural Influence of Northeastern Oklahoma.” This event is held in conjunction with the Woody Guthrie Center’s Fourth Anniversary Celebration.
Featured presenters will be Nora Guthrie, Carolyn Wills, Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby, Creek Chief James Floyd, and authors Rilla Askew, Teresa Miller and John Wooley. Dr. Bob Blackburn will lead a panel discussion with Anoatubby and Floyd during the Annual Conference Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, at noon. Jennifer Loren of Osiyo television will serve as emcee of the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 28, at noon. The awards luncheon will celebrate accomplishments in Oklahoma history, and four people will be inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
The other presenters will speak during the course of 16 presentation sessions. The Thursday speakers will be Hugh Foley, Stillwater; Bill Woodard, Bartlesville; Pauline Harris, Tulsa; Sherri Tapp, Tulsa; Jonita Mullins, Muskogee; Aaron Mason, Alva; Jen Jones, Norman; Bill Moore, Oklahoma City; and Steve Todoroff, Houston, Texas.
Making presentations on Friday will be Ronald Cohen, Gary, Indiana; Karen Coody Cooper, Tahlequah; Jeane Grisham, Fort Worth, Texas; Lynda Ozan, Oklahoma City; Ronald Graham, Warr Acres; Billy Crynes, Norman; and Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma City.
The OKPOP Museum will present the concert “Black Town Blues and North Tulsa Jazz” on Wednesday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at the historic Cain’s Ballroom. The show will feature Tulsa native Ernie Fields Jr. and his All-Star Band. The band includes internationally recognized musicians, such as Rickey Minor, Errol Cooney, Herman Jackson, Fred Wesley, Ray Monteiro, Andy Weiner, Miguel Gandelman and Oklahoma City native Bill Maxwell. The concert also will include a performance by Dr. Harold Aldridge. Tickets to the concert can be purchased through registration to the conference or at www.cainsballroom.com.
On Thursday, April 27, the OHS will sponsor two bus tours. One will travel to the Port of Catoosa. The second will highlight Route 66, visiting the Blue Whale, Totem Pole Park, Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch and the Claremore Museum of History. The Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore will host a dinner and program that night at 6 p.m.
Membership in the OHS is not required to participate, but all conference attendees are asked to register by noon on Friday, April 21. Detailed information about the conference and registration forms may be obtained at www.okhistory.org/conference or by contacting Larry O’Dell at 405-522-6676 or lodell@okhistory.org or Shelly Crynes at 405-522-0317 or scrynes@okhistory.org.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
