About Hometown Teams:

Sports are an indelible part of our culture and community. For well over one hundred years sports have reflected the trials and triumphs of the American experience and helped shape our national character. Whether it’s professional sports, or those played on the collegiate or scholastic level, amateur sports or sports played by kids on the local playground, the plain fact is sports are everywhere in America. Our love of sports begins in our hometowns--on the sandlot, at the local ball field, even in the street. Americans play sports everywhere.

Building on this national theme, host sites in Oklahoma develop complementary programming or exhibits that highlight their own hometown sports history.

Host site applications are available online at www.okhumanities.org. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Caroline Lowery, OHC Program Officer, at 405/235-0280or via email caroline@okhumanities.org

Reservations for this special evening are $85/per person and can now be made online by visiting www.okhumanities.org/oklahoma-humanities-awards. For more information, please contact the Oklahoma Humanities Council at 405/235-0280.

• Oklahoma Humanities Award: honoring an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of the humanities in Oklahoma.
• Public Humanities Award: honoring an individual scholar responsible for outstanding public humanities programming in a library, museum, historical society, or other cultural institution.
• Community Leadership Award: honoring an institution or individual that creates or participates in a community-based program promoting public understanding of ideas and issues related to the humanities.
• Community Support Award: honoring a business, foundation, or individual that has contributed critical financial support to public humanities programming in Oklahoma.
• Humanities in Education Award: honoring a K-12 administrator, instructor, tribal education program, or school district that exhibits or supports excellence in humanities education.
• Outstanding OHC Project: recognizing an outstanding humanities project made possible by an Oklahoma Humanities Council program or grant.

Videos of previous awardees are located at http://www.youtube.com/OKHumanitiesCouncil.

Nomination forms and guidelines are posted on http://www.okhumanities.org/oklahoma-humanities-awards. For additional information, contact OHC assistant director David Pettyjohn: david@okhumanities.org or (405) 235-0280.

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To view an online version of the magazine and EXTRA! content, or to get a free one-year subscription to the magazine, visit the OHC website: http://www.okhumanities.org/publications.

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• Oklahoma State Champion - Denise Burns, Lawton High School (Lawton)

• 2nd Place Finalist - Morgan Steele, Union Intermediate High School (Broken Arrow)

• Olivia Fletcher, Stillwater High School (Stillwater)

• Denisse Garcia, Putnam City West High School (Oklahoma City)

• Megan Holmes, Cushing High School (Cushing)

• Sarah Southerland, Dickson High School (Dickson)

Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Eddie Wilcoxen gave a reading of his poetry during the 2012 state finals. A free reception to honor the state finalists followed the awards presentation

The state finals winner will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington (with his/her chaperone) to compete for the national championship. The winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. One runner-up will receive $100; his or her school will receive $200 for the purchase of poetry books.

A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded to winners at the National Finals, with a $20,000 college scholarship awarded to the National Champion. Note: prizes are offered only for official competitions identified and conducted by the Oklahoma Humanities Council.

A special thank you to the Oklahoma Arts Council and the George Kaiser Family Foundation for sponsoring the 2011-2012 Poetry Out Loud contest in Oklahoma.

DON'T MISS OUT ON AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THE SMITHSONIAN TO YOUR TOWN

Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) invites smaller museums, libraries, and historical societies in towns fewer than 20,000 residents to apply to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibition called New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music. The exhibit will tour six Oklahoma communities from March 2013 through January 2014. For more information on Museum on Main Street, please visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

This is an opportunity for communities to tell their own stories while showcasing this nationally renowned exhibit. The exhibit is small enough for ease in installation; only 800 square feet is required. Hosts for previous tours in Oklahoma have benefitted by using the exhibit tour for fundraising, increasing visitation and visibility, complementing a festival or special event, providing educational opportunities for school students, and partnering with other community organizations. Even when the exhibit leaves town after its tour, the benefits continue to accrue. To watch how one of these communities used the exhibit, Journey Stories, visit the Oklahoma Humanities Council's YouTube page, OKHumanitiesCouncil and click on 2011 Outstanding OHC Project - Newkirk Journey Stories .

Host sites will be selected based on geographic location, evidence of strong community support, strength of proposed ideas for supplementary events, and physical event space. The only fee is $250 to secure the tour and OHC grant funds are available for supplementary programming.

Applications are due November 1, 2011. The Oklahoma Humanities Council will work with an organization every step of the way to insure a successful tour for that community.

About New Harmonies
Listen to America's music and hear the story of freedom. It's the story of people in a New World, places they have left behind, and ideas they have brought with them. It is the story of people who were already here, but whose world is remade. The distinct cultural identities of all of these people are carried in song -- both sacred and secular. Their music tracks the unique history of many peoples reshaping each other into one incredibly diverse and complex people -- Americans. Their music is the roots of American music.

The main beat of the exhibition is the on-going cultural process that has made America the birthplace of more music than any place on earth. The exhibition provides a fascinating, inspiring, and toe-tapping listen to the American story of multi-cultural exchange. The story is full of surprises about familiar songs, histories of instruments, the roles of religion and technology, and the continuity of musical roots from "Yankee Doodle Dandy" to the latest hip hop CD.

Host site applications are available online at www.okhumanities.org. For more information about this opportunity, please contact David Pettyjohn, OHC Assistant Director, at 405/235-0280 or via email david@okhumanities.org

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

OKLAHOMA HUMANITIES COUNCIL ANNOUNCES AWARDEES

Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) announced the names of the 2012 awardees to be honored at its Oklahoma Humanities Awards dinner, March 22, 2012, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

"Under our mission to engage people with the humanities, it is fitting that we honor the people and organizations that are keeping culture—and our understanding of it—alive," said OHC Executive Director Ann Thompson."The work they do is often behind the scenes, so we’re happy to host this event to thank them for all the ways that make life and culture in Oklahoma more meaningful."

Following are the 2012 Oklahoma Humanities Awardees:

Dr. Alvin Turner, Dean Emeritus of the School of the Humanities and Social Studies at East Central University, will receive OHC’s highest honor, the Oklahoma Humanities Award, for his dedication to the humanities through his teaching, writing, and participation in public humanities programming. Dr. Turner, a former Chair of the OHC Board, is the author of numerous works including Letters from the Dust Bowl (2001) and The East Central University Story (2006). Dr. Turner has also been an active and popular scholar in OHC programs including Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma! and Territory Speakers.

The Oklahoma Gazette will receive the Community Support Award for its years of supporting cultural programming across the state. The Oklahoma Gazette provides valuable advertising space to non-profits seeking to promote their events, regularly publishes a calendar of free events, and features content that increases the public’s understanding of the humanities.

Dr. Bill Corbett, Professor of History & Chair at Northeastern State University, will receive the Public Humanities Award for his dedication to providing outstanding public programming across the state. Dr. Corbett has been an active and popular scholar for several OHC programs, including Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma! and Territory Speakers. Dr. Corbett also served as the state scholar for the Council’s first Museum on Main Street exhibit, Journey Stories.

Dr. Catherine Webster, Associate Professor of French at the University of Central Oklahoma, will receive the Community Leadership Award for the development and coordination of French cultural and educational programming for children and adults through L’Alliance Française d’Oklahoma City. The programs included film festivals, cultural classes, and book clubs.

Rector Johnson Middle School in Broken Bow will receive the Humanities in Education Award for the creation of the H³ (History Happens Here) Time Travelers’ Book Club. The program used literature to awaken students’ interest in history and students analyzed eight titles ranging from the Colonial period through World War II. Students also raised money throughout the year in order to take two trips to places of historical significance—Fort Smith, AR and a week-long trip to Vicksburg, MS and New Orleans, LA.

A Tapestry Tour of Five Historic Sites in Southwest Oklahoma will be recognized as Outstanding OHC Project, an award that honors public programming made possible by an OHC program or grant. Sponsored by the Southern Prairie Library System and the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus, the program featured a bus tour of five sites in the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The program also featured a video production of the tour and an educational brochure.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

** Digital images available by email **

LINCOLN ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS HONORED

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) honored winners of its 2011 Lincoln Essay Contest at a reception at the Oklahoma History Center on April 9. The annual contest was sponsored with support from BancFirst; Pottawatomie Telephone Company; and Sonic, America’s Drive-In. Panera Bread provided cookies for the reception.

Senator Clark Jolley was the featured speaker and discussed how history provides wisdom for today.Using Abraham Lincoln’s statement, “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history,” Senator Jolley encouraged students to take responsibility for decisions they make and to learn from their own history as well as that of great men like Lincoln.

First place winners received a cash prize of $200 and their teachers received a $250 classroom grant. Second place winners received $150 and third place winners received $100. “More than 500 students competed in this year’s contest,” said OHC Program Officer Manda Overturf. “We congratulate all the students and teachers who took on this year’s challenging essay and drawing topics.”

Becky Rickard, Director of Archives and Administration for Sonic Corporation, presented Sonic gift cards to all the contest winners. This year’s winning students include:

Kindergarten through 1st Grade (Drawing category):
1st Place - Thomas Buchanan, Virginia Smith Elementary, Harrah
2nd Place - Makenzie McIntosh, Eufaula Elementary School
3rd Place - Luke Holman, Eufaula Elementary School

2nd through 3rd Grade (Drawing category):
1st Place - Nicole Childers, South Rock Creek Elementary, Shawnee
2nd Place - Dawson Arnett, South Rock Creek Elementary, Shawnee
3rd Place - Koy Harley, Central Elementary School, Idabel

4th through 6th Grade (Essay category):
1st Place - Jace Wallace, Elmore City-Pernell Elementary School
2nd Place - Mallorie Lane, Choctaw Middle School
3rd Place - Zach Pratt, Lincoln Elementary, Ardmore

7th through 9th Grade (Essay category):
1st Place - Kylie Trower, Owasso 8th Grade Center
2nd Place - Derik Daubenspeck, Cache Middle School
3rd Place - Jackie Marquez, Owasso 8th Grade Center

10th through 12th Grade (Essay category):
1st Place - Aileen Barton, Latta High School, Ada
2nd Place - Taylor Barrett, Lawton High School
3rd Place - Chendria Person, Lawton High School

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council

The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

##### End #####

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) announced that Renae Perry, a senior at Stillwater High School, is this year's Oklahoma winner of the Poetry Out Loud recitation contest. Poetry Out Loud is a national arts and humanities education program for high school students designed to engage young people with poetry through memorization and recitation. OHC sponsors the state program in cooperation with the Oklahoma Arts Council. The national program is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

As the state winner, Perry will receive a $200 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals, April 27-29, where more than $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Stillwater High School will receive a $500 stipend with which to purchase poetry books.

"The six state finalists were a very talented group who should be proud of their accomplishments." said Manda Overturf, OHC Program Officer and state coordinator for Poetry Out Loud. "I also congratulate the over 4,000 students who participated in the statewide school-level and regional competitions. Through the Poetry Out Loud
competition, students not only improve public speaking skills and build self-confidence but also become better acquainted with our literary heritage."

Six regional finalists competed at the Oklahoma state finals on March 5 at the Lyric Theatre at the Plaza in Oklahoma City. Each finalist recited poems selected from a vast anthology. Christianna Clark of Mount Saint Mary's High School in Oklahoma City won second place and a $100 scholarship, as well as $200 for her school to purchase poetry books. Other competitors included: Catherine Horton of Lawton High School; Hailey Taylor of New Lima High School; Christina Williams of Sapulpa High School; and Muhammad Habib of Union Intermediate High School, Tulsa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2011
Contact: Traci Jinkens, Marketing and Development Director
Oklahoma Humanities Council
(405) 235-0280 * traci@okhumanitiescouncil.org

Students to Compete in State Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Oklahoma Humanities Council announced that six regional finalists will compete for the state title at the Poetry Out Loud Oklahoma state finals at 10:30 a.m., March 5, at the Lyric Theater at the Plaza in Oklahoma City. The six finalists advanced as winners of four regional finals earlier this month, where twenty-four high schools competed. Regional finals were hosted by East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma City University, the Lawton Public Library, and the Thomas J. Harrison Pryor Public Library.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts and humanities education program for high school students designed to engage young people with poetry through memorization and recitation. The Oklahoma Humanities Council sponsors the state program in cooperation with the Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation. The project provides curriculum materials for teachers as well as workshops for teachers and students, at no cost, throughout the year.

Competing at the state finals will be Christianna Clark of Mt. St. Mary's High School in Oklahoma City; Hailey Taylor of New Lima High School; Renae Perry of Stillwater High School, Muhammad Habib of Union Intermediate High School in Tulsa; Christina Williams of Sapulpa High School; and Catherine Horton of Lawton High School. The state winner will receive a $200 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D. C., to compete in the national finals where $50,000 in school prizes and student scholarships will be awarded. A $100 prize will be awarded to the second place winner and his or her school will also receive $200 for the purchase of poetry books.

As part of the finals event, Oklahoma State Poet Eddie Wilcoxen will give a reading of his poetry. A free reception to honor the state finalists will follow the awards presentation.

For more information about Poetry Out Loud or the state finals event, contact Manda Overturf at: (405) 235-0280 or manda@okhumanitiescouncil.org.

Eddie Wilcoxen Appointed State Poet Laureate

Oklahoma City, OK-The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) announced that, just before leaving office, Governor Brad Henry appointed distinguished author, poet, and radio broadcaster Eddie D. Wilcoxen as State Poet Laureate for 2011 through 2012. OHC facilitates the poet laureate selection committee, which reviews statewide nominations on behalf of the governor, and coordinates the activities and appearances of the poet laureate throughout his/her term.

Eddie Wilcoxen is a career radio broadcaster with a popular morning show on KWHW in Altus. He has written seven volumes of poetry and one non-fiction work. His newest book, Faith, Hope and Poetry, is scheduled for a February release.

Wilcoxen is widely recognized for landscape design; his home gardens were featured in Oklahoma Gardener magazine. He is also a three-time national karate champion and established "Kihido Karate," a character-building curriculum emphasizing personal responsibility as the key to personal success. In 1996 he was designated an "Official Olympic Hero" and chosen to carry the Olympic Torch on its historic journey across the United States to Atlanta, Georgia.

On learning of his appointment, Wilcoxen remarked: "It was really a thrill to get the call announcing my appointment as Poet Laureate. Poetry has been such a source of comfort and inspiration to me that I can't help but feel honored to have the chance to visit and talk to people all across the state. I'm really looking forward to the adventure of sharing stories and poems."

OHC Executive Director Ann Thompson said that the Council is eager to increase awareness of Wilcoxen's work. "We are very excited to assist Mr. Wilcoxen as he begins his two-year term as Oklahoma's State Poet Laureate," said Thompson. "We are fortunate that the Oklahoma legislature designated this honorary position to engage citizens with poetry, a tradition that was established decades ago and continues to enrich our lives."

Information on Wilcoxen will soon be posted on the OHC website (http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org), including examples of his poetry and an application to request Wilcoxen's appearance at poetry readings and community events.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2010
Contact: Traci Jinkens, Marketing and Development Director
Oklahoma Humanities Council
(405) 235-0280 • traci@okhumanitiescouncil.org

Oklahoma Humanities Council Announces Awardees

Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) announced the names of the 2011 awardees to be honored at its Oklahoma Humanities Awards dinner, February 24, 2011, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

“We want to honor the people and programs that enrich our state’s cultural life,” said OHC Executive Director Ann Thompson. “The occasion demonstrates the relevance of the humanities to modern society. By recognizing outstanding public programs like exhibits, book discussions, and classroom projects, we can showcase how the humanities expand our worldview and change people’s lives every day.”

Following are the 2011 Oklahoma Humanities Awardees:

Dr. Peter C. Rollins, Emeritus Professor of English and American/Film Studies, Oklahoma State University, will receive OHC’s highest honor, the Oklahoma Humanities Award, for his record of teaching, research, and outreach as a scholar in the humanities. Dr. Rollins is the author of several award-winning books, including two volumes honored with the National Popular Culture Association’s Ray and Pat Brown Award: Why We Fought: America’s Wars as Film and History (2008) and Hollywood’s White House: The American Presidency in Film and History (2003). His book Television Histories: Shaping Memory in the Media Age (2001) received the Best Book in American Culture Studies from the Popular Culture Association. Dr. Rollins’ awards include the 1998 Award for Distinguished Service, presented jointly by the American Culture Association and the Popular Culture Association. His most recent book is America Reflected: Language, Satire, Film, and the National Mind.

The Inasmuch Foundation will receive the Community Support Award for its years of sustained financial support of cultural programming across Oklahoma. The Foundation has supported organizations such as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City University, and the Lincoln County Historical Society in Chandler. Inasmuch has also been a long-term supporter of OHC programs, particularly its reading and discussion program, Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma!.

Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, will receive the Public Humanities Award for her dedication to providing outstanding public programming across the state, particularly in the Oklahoma Panhandle region. Dr. Richter has been a popular scholar and presenter in several OHC-funded programs, including Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma! and the recent Dust Bowl Symposium in Guymon.

Cyndi Hulsey and Laura Raphael of the Tulsa City-County Library will receive the Community Leadership Award for creation and implementation of “Novel Talk: Smart Conversation for Serious Readers,” a program using literature to explore and understand the human condition. The program included a panel of experts to discuss issues such as pop culture, tragedy, and self identity, as well as a list of suggested readings to further explore the topic.

The American Indian Resource Center of the Tulsa City-County Library will be honored with the Humanities in Education Award for achievements in language preservation through development of its Native Language Supplemental Packet. These materials were developed for educators and students to facilitate learning introductory words and phrases, and to stimulate further interest in the Native language. The packet has been used successfully in the Sauk and Euchee language programs.

Newkirk Journey Stories will be recognized as Outstanding OHC Project, an award that honors public programming made possible by an OHC program or grant. The series of programs were held in conjunction with the Museum on Main Street traveling exhibit Journey Stories. Developed by Newkirk Main Street and the Newkirk Public Library, programs included local exhibits placed around Newkirk’s historic downtown, public lectures, and educational programs.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

OHC Grants More Than $71,000 to Fund Local Programs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - At a recent meeting of its board of trustees, the Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) made awards and grant offers totaling more than $71,000 to cultural organizations presenting humanities programs. Funded projects include exhibits, discussions, and other cultural events. OHC accepts major grant applications twice a year to encourage public humanities programming at the local level.

OHC executive director Ann Thompson says that the Council has a long history of support for cultural and educational events across the state. "As the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we are mandated to grant federal funds to help foster humanities programming," said Thompson. "It is through these grants that we ensure Oklahomans have access to cultural events in their local communities. We're proud to help fund these outstanding projects that will serve thousands of people."

As individual programs are finalized, event information will be posted on the OHC calendar at: www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/calendar. Grant applications and guidelines are available online at: www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/grants.

Funded Projects and Offers:

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City--$7,500 to support the exhibit George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher, the first comprehensive retrospective of the famous designer's work. The exhibit will include 120 objects, including chairs, benches, cabinets, as well as over 50 historical documents.

Pioneer Library System Foundation, Norman--$15,000 for The Pioneer Library System's Big Read 2011. The six-week event will promote reading and encourage discussion of The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien. Programs include a panel discussion, scholar-led presentations at each library, and a presentation by Tim O'Brien at the conclusion of the project.

Northeastern State University, Tahlequah--$2,500 for the 39th Annual Symposium on the American Indian. The theme is "Hands Across Nations: Smart Legacies-Strong Spirits" and will take place April 11-16, 2011 on the NSU campus. Programming includes panel discussions, the American Indian Symposium Film Series, workshops and the NSU Spring Powwow.

Jacobson Foundation, Norman--$5,000 for Weaving Traditions: For the Community and Its Native Population, a series of community programs to take place at the Historic Jacobson House. The programs include a course on Kiowa language; intertribal powwow songs and traditions; a Plains style beadwork class; and Southeast Woodlands basket weaving classes.

The City of Oklahoma City--$8,500 for Oklahoma City! Sooner or Later, an exhibit that explores the history of the City of Oklahoma City and the development of the city's form of government. The exhibit will be displayed in City Hall and will also feature two public lectures that explore the themes of the exhibit.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City--$10,000 for the exhibit Allen True's West, a traveling exhibit that explores the work of Allen Tupper True, regarded as Colorado's premier native-born artist of the early 20th century. The exhibit will feature three distinct phases of True's career: illustrator, easel painter, and mural painter.

University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond--$2,500 for Technology and the Humanities: How the Internet Creates Transdisciplinary Humanities, a yearly symposium aimed at introducing the humanities to a diverse audience. The event will features a presentation by Dr. Richard Miller, an internationally recognized expert on writing in the digital age and how technology relates to the humanities in the 21st century.

Southern Prairie Library System, Altus--$7,785 for Historical Tapestry Tour of Southwest Oklahoma, a video tour of five sites in Jackson County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The program also features a live bus tour and a Historical Tapestry Tour Brochure that will be available at schools, libraries, and museums.

Cherokee National Historical Society, Tahlequah--$6,300 for the Cherokee Humanities Course, an interdisciplinary course that explores Cherokee beliefs, practices, and behaviors from historical to contemporary times. The course is led by traditional and political leaders, noted scholars, and tribal elders and will focus on Cherokee history, culture, and language.

Cherokee National Historical Society, Tahlequah--$6,750 for an exhibit that explores the history of the Cherokee Female Seminary, one of the first higher education institutes built for women west of the Mississippi River. The exhibit will further explore the educational system of the period as well as tell the stories of the students and faculty. The exhibit will also feature a computer generated recreation of the seminary, which stood in Park Hill from 1851-1872

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities-disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

Ghosts, Goblins and the Humanities?

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—To raise funds for cultural programming across the state, the Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) is partnering with Barnes & Noble Booksellers to host a bookfair on Saturday, October 23rd, 9 a.m.-11 p.m., at the 6100 N. May Avenue store in Oklahoma City, OK. Events will include a children’s story time, a forum discussion, and more.

The event will coincide with the store’s official Halloween celebration, where employees will be in costume. For every sale made with a special bookfair voucher, Barnes & Noble will contribute a percentage to the Oklahoma Humanities Council. Vouchers are available online at:
http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org.

Bookfair events include:

11 a.m. Saturday Storytime: Several OHC board members and friends will be in the children’s area to read stories to the young and the young-at-heart.

12 p.m. Note: The book signing and reading with author Rilla Askew has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond the host’s control.

1 p.m. Humanities Forum: OHC staff members will host a community conversation in the Newsstand section to discuss a timely topic viewed through the perspective of the humanities.

2 p.m. Will Rogers (portrayed by Doug Watson): The Oklahoma legend will stroll through the store to greet visitors, share humorous insights, and throw a rope trick or two.

The Council’s bookfair voucher will be honored nationwide at local Barnes & Noble stores on October 23rd. To support the Council online, visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs from October 23rd through October 28th and enter the bookfair ID 10245496 at checkout. Items not eligible for bookfair sales include Barnes & Noble memberships, gift cards, textbooks, magazine subscriptions, or video games.

For information on the Barnes & Noble Bookfair, call the Oklahoma Humanities Council at (405) 235-0280 or visit http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

OHC Appoints New Trustees

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Oklahoma Secretary of State Susan Savage, Dr. Jerry Vannatta of the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Mary Brodnax of the University of Central Oklahoma, and Dr. William Bryans of Oklahoma State University. OHC is governed by a 24-member Board of Trustees comprised of private citizens, academic scholars, and governor’s appointees.

“Our Board of Trustees is an integral part of our work,” said OHC Executive Director Ann Thompson. “Their collective experience in business, academia, and public service brings valuable insight to our programming and strategic planning. Without these representatives from across the state, we could not accomplish all the work we do, nor do it so effectively.”

New Trustees:

Susan Savage was appointed Secretary of State by Governor Brad Henry in 2003. She served as the Mayor of Tulsa from 1992 to 2002. Her awards include the Oklahoma Human Rights Award and the 2009 Peace and Dialogue Award for Government Service from Oklahoma City University and the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Municipal League Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials. Secretary Savage has served on the executive and advisory boards for many organizations, including: Southern Regional Education Board, Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, Oklahoma City United Way, Oklahoma Nature Conservancy, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, and Creative Oklahoma. She earned a B.A. from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Jerry Vannatta is John Flack Burton Professor of Humanities in Medicine, Professor of Internal Medicine, and former Executive Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma. His teaching awards include five Aesculapian Awards from medical students, the Edgar W. Young Lifetime Achievement Award, the Stanton L. Young Master Teacher Award, and the Humanism in Medicine Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges. He serves on the board of trustees for Presbyterian Health Foundation and Oklahoma City University.

Dr. Mary Brodnax is Professor of Humanities at the University of Central Oklahoma. She earned her B.A. from Vanderbilt and M.A. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Her honors and awards include Provost’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Teaching Award and the Purple Chalk Award from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has served on the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Teaching Award Committee, as President of the UCO Faculty Senate, and President of the DaVinci Institute.

Dr. William Bryans is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of History at Oklahoma State University. He received his B.A. and M.A. from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bryans serves on the boards of Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Museums Association. His professional memberships include the Organization of American Historians, American Association for State and Local History, National Council on Public History, Western History Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Mountain-Plains Museum Association.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2010
Contact: Traci Jinkens, Marketing and Development Director
Oklahoma Humanities Council
(405) 235-0280 • traci@okhumanitiescouncil.org

NPR’s Susan Stamberg to Speak

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Susan Stamberg, journalist and correspondent for National Public Radio, will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) and the Oklahoma Museums Association (OMA), 10:45 a.m., September 23 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Stamberg will address the topic “Why History Museums Matter.” The lecture is funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council and is free and open to the public.

Stamberg is the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program and has won every major award in broadcasting, including induction into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame. As one of public radio’s most popular broadcasters, Stamberg is well-known for her conversational style, intelligence, and knack for finding an interesting story. She is the author of two books chronicling her time at NPR: Every Night at Five and TALK: NPR’s Susan Stamberg Considers All Things.

The joint meeting of AASLH and OMA Museums is an opportunity for libraries, archive professionals, historical societies, tribal cultural centers, and other related organizations to network and learn new techniques. Over 80 sessions and workshops will give insight on developing, delivering, and marketing history.

For information on the Susan Stamberg lecture or attending the conference, contact the Oklahoma Museums Association at (405) 424.7757 or visit: http://www.okmuseums.org/annual-conference.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council

The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

Susan Stamberg’s lecture is funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recom-mendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or OHC, its Board of Trustees, or staff.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2010
Contact: Traci Jinkens, Marketing and Development Director
Oklahoma Humanities Council
(405) 235-0280 • traci@okhumanitiescouncil.org

Nominations Open for 2011 Oklahoma Humanities Awards

Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) is accepting nominations for the 2011 Oklahoma Humanities Awards, which will be presented at a formal event in February at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. The annual event honors outstanding contributions to the humanities in Oklahoma. The deadline for nominations is September 1.

OHC executive director Ann Thompson stated that the annual awards demonstrate how Oklahomans are enriched by humanities education, conversation, exhibits, and other events. “This is the time that we acknowledge outstanding contributions that enhance our quality of life and help us understand our place in the world,” said Thompson.

Nominations are encouraged for humanities projects that took place between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 in the following categories:

· Oklahoma Humanities Award: honoring an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of the humanities in Oklahoma.
· Public Humanities Award: honoring an individual scholar responsible for outstanding public humanities programming in a library, museum, historical society, or other cultural institution.
· Community Leadership Award: honoring an institution or individual that creates or participates in a community-based program promoting public understanding of ideas and issues related to the humanities.
· Community Support Award: honoring a business, foundation, or individual that has contributed critical financial support to public humanities programming in Oklahoma.
· Humanities in Education Award: honoringa K-12 administrator, instructor, tribal education program, or school district that exhibits or supports excellence in humanities education.
· Outstanding OHC Project: recognizing an outstanding humanities project made possible by an Oklahoma Humanities Council program or grant.

Award recipients are selected by a committee of the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Humanities Council. OHC staff will work with awardees and nominators in the production of videos that will be presented at the awards dinner.

Awardees for 2010 included H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, Devon Energy Cooperation, the Lincoln County Historical Society, the Cherokee Nation Education Program, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. To view videos of the 2010 awardees, visit http://www.youtube.com/OKHumanitiesCouncil.

Nomination forms and guidelines are posted on the OHC website: http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/oklahoma-humanities-awards. For additional information, contact OHC Assistant Director David Pettyjohn: david@okhumanitiescouncil.org or (405) 235-0280.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

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Humanities Council Funding Assists State Agencies

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) has awarded $80,000 to state agencies whose humanities programming might be in peril due to budget cuts. The awards went to four agencies: the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), the Native American Cultural and Education Authority, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Oklahoma Historical Society.

OHC awarded the funds in an attempt to maintain high quality cultural education opportunities in a climate where state funds and private donations are down. OHC Chair Ed Barth stated, “These funds represent an increase in the general support grant that OHC received this fiscal year from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Rather than incorporate the increase into our general operating budget, the funds were made available to agencies that have a statewide audience and substantive programming. We appreciate the valuable partnerships we enjoy with other organizations as they carry out their own critical missions.”

OHC funding will be used to support a variety of programs:

OETA will use funds for broadcasting three program series, “The American Experience,” “Gallery,” and “History Detectives.” These programs educate viewers on history and cultural issues that shape our state and country.

The Native American Cultural and Education Authority will use its award to enhance educational outreach, including tribal stories which are gathered and shared with the public to promote a better understanding of ourselves and the history of our state.

The Oklahoma Arts Council will use OHC funds for “Teaching with Capitol Art,” a program that uses the murals and artwork of the State Capitol to tell the story of Oklahoma history. The program brings students from across the state to the Capitol for this meaningful educational experience.

The Oklahoma Historical Society will use the OHC award to further its efforts to bring the unique story of the steamboat Heroine to the public. The Heroine sank in the Red River in 1838 and information from its excavation will be made available through the historical society’s outreach program.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council

The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

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Humanities Forum Discussions Now Traveling the State

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma Humanities Council’s new Humanities Forum program is literally “the talk of the town” and is available to communities across Oklahoma.

Humanities Forum brings people together to talk about contemporary issues. The emphasis is on the public exchange of ideas and perspectives— public, as in “everyone is welcome,” and exchange, as in “everyone offers ideas and opinions” and the whole group benefits from a better understanding of each other and our world.

As a springboard for conversation, participants are asked to read a short humanities text. Humanities disciplines include history, literature, jurisprudence, ethics, language, and philosophy. Discussions are moderated by a scholar-facilitator to ensure a productive atmosphere where differing ideas are treated with mutual respect.

Communities are encouraged to apply to host this free, exciting and thought-provoking program! Guidelines and applications are available online at: http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/humanities-forum.

For information, call the Oklahoma Humanities Council at (405) 235-0280.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council

The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

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May 14, 2010

Contact: Traci Jinkens, Marketing and Development Director
Oklahoma Humanities Council
(405) 235-0280 • traci@okhumanitiescouncil.org

OHC Grants More Than $77,000 to Fund Local Programs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — At a recent meeting of its board of trustees, the Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) made awards and grant offers totaling more than $77,000 to cultural organizations presenting humanities programs. Funded projects include exhibits, discussions, a teacher institute, a television documentary, and other cultural events. OHC accepts major grant applications twice a year to encourage public humanities programming at the local level.

OHC executive director Ann Thompson says that the Council has a long history of support for cultural and educational events across the state. “As the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we are mandated to grant federal funds to help foster humanities programming,” said Thompson. “It is through these grants that we ensure Oklahomans have access to cultural events in their local communities. We’re proud to help fund these outstanding projects that will serve thousands of people.”

As individual programs are finalized, event information will be posted on the OHC calendar at: http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/calendar. Grant applications and guidelines are available online at: http://www.okhumanitiescouncil.org/grants.

Funded Projects and Offers:

Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee – $15,000 to support the Five Tribes Story Conference, a two-day event that will include cultural performances and readings, followed by academic-focused panels and public discussions.

Cameron University, Lawton – $3,120.50 to support a public forum, “Alternative Energy: Promoting and Realizing the New Energy Frontier Today.” A panel of experts will discuss Oklahoma’s energy past and future and explore a deeper understanding of cultural and historical characteristics of the Southwest Oklahoma region related to issues of energy policy.

Kansas Public Telecommunications Service, Wichita, KS – $5,000 to conduct interviews and filming for the documentary series “Lost Nation: The Ioway,” which examines the loss of a unique Native American culture and chronicles present-day efforts by tribal members to preserve and restore their culture.

Oklahoma Arts Institute, Norman – $8,500 to develop and print a walking tour booklet that informs visitors of the significance of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of art at the Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center.

Oklahoma Center for Arts Education, Edmond – $4,900 to support the annual “American Indian Learners” workshop and conference series. This year’s conference will focus on technology and how it can enhance the educational experiences of Native American students. The conference strives to increase awareness and understanding about Native American cultures among non-Native students and educators.

Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City – $7,700 to host poet and former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Dana Gioia as the keynote speaker at the McBride Lecture for Faith and Literature. Events will include a workshop on the Poetry Out Loud program for teachers and a public lecture.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City – $10,000 to mount the exhibit La Serenissima, which will feature 65 works of 18th-century Venetian art. The exhibition will survey painters and printmakers and their influence on later artistic movements in Europe, including 19th-century impressionism. Oklahoma City will be the sole venue for the exhibit.

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Oklahoma City – $8,500 to support the Art 365 project, engaging artists, curators, and the public with contemporary art as a way to draw meaning from contemporary life and reflect creatively about the world. The project will include an exhibit, a catalogue on artwork and artists, and public programming.

Oral Roberts University, Tulsa – $5,000 to present a teacher institute entitled “At the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Culture: Oklahoma’s Black Wall Street, Latina Women, and Diverse Faces of American Immigration.” The institute will explore a deeper understanding of Oklahoma’s cultural diversity and encourage teachers to develop teaching methods that cultivate race, gender, and cultural awareness in curriculum.

Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, Tulsa – $5,000 to produce the exhibit Breaking the Glass: Wedding Traditions in Oklahoma Cultures, which will compare the traditions of Jewish weddings to those of other diverse faiths and people who settled in Oklahoma. The exhibit will examine customs, gifts, wedding attire, jewelry, and wedding rituals from Christian faiths, Islamic traditions, and Eastern religions.

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Edmond – $5,000 to fabricate Territorial Normal School of Oklahoma, an exhibit that explores the early years of UCO as a training site for public school teachers in Oklahoma Territory, its relevance to the Edmond community, and the importance of “Old North,” the National Register structure that was the first building dedicated to higher learning in Oklahoma Territory.

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Contact: Carla Walker, Director of Communications                               

Oklahoma Humanities Council

(405) 235-0280 • carla@okhumanitiescouncil.org

** Digital images available by email **

2010 Oklahoma Humanities Awards

Oklahoma City, OK—The Oklahoma Humanities Council (OHC) honored six awardees at the annual Oklahoma Humanities Awards on March 4. Awardees and guests enjoyed a formal dinner at the Oklahoma History Center and a video presentation highlighting the work of the Council and the awardees’ accomplishments. H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt received OHC’s highest honor, the Oklahoma Humanities Award, for his contributions to expanding educational opportunities in Oklahoma.

“The individuals and programs selected for this year’s awards are truly remarkable,” said OHC executive director Ann Thompson. “Their passion and creativity, and the impact these projects have on local communities, is inspiring. The Oklahoma Humanities Awards bring attention to those efforts and to the people and organizations that are working to provide cultural opportunities in our state.”

Following are the 2010 honorees:

H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt – Oklahoma Humanities Award

Gene Rainbolt was honored with the Oklahoma Humanities Award for his dedication to expanding educational opportunities among Oklahomans. Rainbolt’s leadership is demonstrated through his lifelong association with organizations such as the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, Leadership Oklahoma, Mabee-Gerrer Museum, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma. He also co-founded the Oklahoma Symposium, a humanities-based event modeled on the national Renaissance weekend where community leaders, intellectuals, and citizens come together to share ideas.

Cherokee Nation Education Program – Humanities in Education Award

The Cherokee Nation Education Program was recognized for its achievements in preserving the Cherokee language. The program targets young people through the Cherokee Nation Immersion School, where all classes are conducted in the Cherokee language, and the Cherokee National Youth Choir. Youth Choir members increase awareness of Cherokee culture through CD recordings and performances across the country.

Mel Chatman & Jamie Sullenger – Community Leadership Award

Mel Chatman and Jamie Sullenger were honored for their contributions to the Lena Sawner Exhibit at the Lincoln County Historical Society Museum of Pioneer History in Chandler. Chatman researched the life of Lena Sawner, a Chandler educator who dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for African-American children. As curator of the exhibit, Sullenger organized Chatman’s collection, assembled over a twenty-year period, and produced a complementary video and educational programming.

Devon Energy Corporation – Community Support Award

The nomination for Devon Energy Corporation came jointly from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and the Oklahoma Heritage Association. These organizations credit Devon’s financial support as critical in leveraging other corporate funding, which has been used to support school education programs; world-class exhibitions; public lectures; film screenings; publications on Oklahoma history and people; and more.

Harlem Renaissance Exhibit, Oklahoma City Museum of Art – Outstanding OHC Project

Harlem Renaissance, an exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, explored developments in African-American art during the 1920s and 1930s. Curator Alison Amick assembled works from collections across the country and tied the national theme to Oklahoma City people and events of the same period. It was the museum’s first exhibition focusing on African-American art in over twenty years and was made possible by a grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council.

About the Oklahoma Humanities Council

The Oklahoma Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful public engagement with the humanities—disciplines such as history, literature, film studies, art criticism, and philosophy. As the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, OHC provides teacher institutes, Smithsonian exhibits, reading groups, and other cultural opportunities for Oklahomans of all ages. With a focus on K-12 education and community building, OHC engages people in their own communities, stimulating discussion and helping them explore the wider world of human experience.

Event Sponsors: BancFirst; Chesapeake Energy; Devon Energy Corporation; National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); OG&E; The Oklahoman; Jeannette and Dick Sias. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of NEH or the Oklahoma Humanities Council, its Board of Trustees, or staff. 

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