Press Release
March 19, 2018
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
2018 Oklahoma History Conference Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the Oklahoma Historical Society
OKLAHOMA CITY — The 2018 Oklahoma History Conference, sponsored by the Oklahoma Historical Society, will feature three tours, two luncheons, one reception, one concert and presentations relating to the theme of “OHS125: Collecting, Preserving and Sharing for the Next Generation.”
Headlining the presenters will be Ted Chapin, president of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization in New York, and David Grann, author of “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.” Dick Pryor, general manager of KGOU, will serve as emcee of the annual awards luncheon on Friday, April 27, at noon. The awards luncheon will celebrate accomplishments in Oklahoma history and induct four people into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame.
The other presenters will speak during the course of 18 presentation sessions. Thursday speakers include Mark Janzen, Edmond; Jonita Mullins, Muskogee; Jan Davis, Oklahoma City; Kitty Pittman, Oklahoma City; Michael Hightower, Oklahoma City; Christopher H. Owen, Tahlequah; Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Oklahoma City; John Thomas Truden, Norman; and Mark Dolph, Tulsa.
Making presentations on Friday will be Rusty Williams, Dallas, Texas; Sydney Stover, Cheyenne; Davis D. Joyce, Spavinaw; Kathryn Shurden, Henryetta; Craig Corgan, El Reno; Landry Brewer, Sayre; Chester Cowen, Norman; T. S. Akers, Oklahoma City; Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma City; John Bedford, Oklahoma City; Mark Parker, Oklahoma City; and Jo Rowan, Oklahoma City.
On Thursday, April 26, the Oklahoma Historical Society will partner with Oklahoma City University to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Broadway debut of “Oklahoma!” OCU students will perform songs from the musical and the first iteration “Green Grow the Lilacs” written by Oklahoman Lynn Riggs. The event at the Oklahoma History Center will feature a special video by Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth, who participated in the 50th anniversary of “Oklahoma!” as an OCU student. This performance is open to the public and tickets can be purchased by calling 405-522-0317.
Also on Thursday, April 26, the OHS will sponsor a bus tour of ‘89er landmarks in Oklahoma City led by Chuck Wiggin. Other tours include a tour of the State Capitol restoration by Capitol Project Manager Trait Thompson and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma History Center.
The conference will take place at the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City, on April 25, 26 and 27. Membership in the OHS is not required to participate, but all conference attendees are asked to register by noon on Friday, April 20. Detailed information about the conference and registration forms may be obtained at www.okhistory.org 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.
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