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Oklahoma Historical Society announces partnership with Voices of Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is pleased to announce that it is partnering with John Erling and his oral history project, Voices of Oklahoma. The project is one of the premier oral history projects in the country, and this partnership will ensure Erling's critical work to enhance Oklahoma’s historical record continues in perpetuity. Erling will continue to interview accomplished Oklahomans and share these stories on www.voicesofoklahoma.com and the Voices of Oklahoma podcast. The OHS will create a landing page on its website, www.okhistory.org, for researchers to readily access the recorded interviews. All interviews previously conducted by Erling will eventually be housed in the OHS Audio and Oral History Archives, and the OHS will continue Erling’s work when he decides to retire.
For more than 12 years, John Erling has been capturing the fascinating stories of renowned Oklahomans and interesting citizens in their own words through Voices of Oklahoma. The debut interview was with Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.
A Tulsan since 1976 with a background in journalism and radio, Erling guides the interviews in a professional and heartfelt manner, creating an interesting and engaging final product. Other notable interviewees include Joy Harjo, Enoch Kelly Haney, Jane Jayroe Gamble, David Boren, Bart Conner, Johnny Bench, Fred Harris, Marques Haynes, Bob Barry Sr., Charles Banks Wilson, N. Scott Momaday, David Hall, Marilyn Luper, and T. Boone Pickens.
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“I am very excited about this new partnership,” said OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson. “I listened to John on KRMG every day when I lived in Tulsa, and I am very familiar with his skill as an interviewer. Bringing John’s incredible body of work to the OHS will ensure that generations of future researchers will be able to hear from Oklahomans who have made history, in their own words. John’s dedication to Oklahoma and exploring its history is a perfect fit with the Oklahoma Historical Society and I’m delighted to begin this relationship with him.”
“Twelve years ago, I never dreamed this announcement would be made. It makes me incredibly happy!” said Erling. “The Oklahoma Historical Society is well respected in our state and our partnership ensures our oral history website will be preserved for researchers and the public forever. I am grateful to OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson for creating the partnership. The stories of people who have made Oklahoma great will be preserved in our ‘forever’ home!”
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For 30 years John Erling entertained Tulsans as the stimulating host of Erling in the Morning on KRMG radio. Known for his interviews with people from all walks of life—from politicians to celebrities to everyday people—Erling’s popular talk show provided the perfect forum to deliberate the hottest local and national topics.
As a well-respected community leader and member of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Erling is now devoting his energy and enthusiasm to Voices of Oklahoma. He deeply believes that preserving the stories of Oklahomans will reveal the depth of emotion and pride that built our great state. It is his hope that stories told through first-hand accounts, in an accessible and lively format, will educate and motivate future generations. In partnership with the OHS, he will continue conducting real, heartfelt conversations with the most original and fascinating voices of our time.
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OHS COVID-19 safety measures
Per CDC guidance, we recommend that visitors who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination wear face masks and maintain social distancing in indoor public areas. All visitors, staff, volunteers, contractors, and vendors should use appropriate handwashing techniques.
We ask that you avoid visiting OHS museums, sites, and affiliates if you have COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, have a fever, or are otherwise feeling sick or unwell.
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Click event listings below for more information.
23 - "The Soldiers of the First Kansas Volunteer Infantry" presentation by Art T. Burton, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah
24 - Rocket class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
24 - Barn Quilt workshop, Chisholm Trail Museum and Horizon Hill, Kingfisher
28 - Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors meeting, Tulsa
29 - National History Day Boot Camp, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
29 - Cherokee Bill: Black Cowboy—Indian Outlaw presentation and book signing by Art T. Burton, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
30 - Movie Night featuring Will Rogers in State Fair, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
31 - “Life at Hunter’s Home: Cooking and Crafts” concludes (VIRTUAL), Hunter’s Home, Park Hill
31 - Vintage Snack Sets exhibit closes, Fred and Addie Drummond Home, Hominy
7 - Family Fun Day, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry
7 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
13 - Wreath-laying ceremony and flyover, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
14 - Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In and National Day of Remembrance, Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah
14 - Museum After Dark: Village Sounds featuring singer-songwriter Chloe-Beth, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
18 - Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City
21 - Peculiar Portraits, Tattered Aesthetic, and Stop: Fifty Ways to a Better World exhibit closes, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
21 - Traditional Trades Day, Chisholm Trail Museum and Horizon Hill, Kingfisher
21 - History Alive! on the Cherokee Strip, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid
21 - Family Day at the Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore
21 - Pawnee Bill Goes Pop: Pop Culture Painting, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee
21 - "Let's Talk About It" Book Discussion Series, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee
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