At the March 29th Annual Membership Meeting of the Oklahoma Heritage Association, I was elected chairman of this extraordinary organization. As a long-time member and director of the Association, I was honored to accept this position.
As a member, I am sure you are aware of the many worthwhile programs the Association offers. However, I am confident you do not know the impact the Association has on our great state.
Did you know that within the first three months of 2007 the Association has honored educators, individuals, organizations, and periodicals preserving and promoting our state and local history? In addition, the Association has offered more than $400,000 in scholarships to students in grades nine through twelve.
The Association is opening Oklahoma’s most-anticipated attraction—the Edward L. Gaylord-Boone Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Center. This unique exhibit will explore the individual contributions each one of us has played in Oklahoma. From farmers and teachers to scientists and astronauts, the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Center features Oklahomans from every corner of the state and every walk of life. Summer camps will be offered and the facility will be host to gala celebrations and historic events.
As the leader in publishing Oklahoma’s history, you can expect to see several new titles released by the Association this year, including Salt of the Red Earth, a look at Oklahomans born in 1907 and prior.
I encourage you to become involved in “your” Oklahoma Heritage Association. From docents in the museum and volunteers in the gift shop to proctors for scholarship test sites and hosts for book signings, the Association has something for you.
Chairman Glen D. Johnson, Jr.