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Historic Maps Chad Williams, Research Division Deputy Director
Hello fellow history fanatics. My name is Chad Williams. I am the Deputy Director of the Research Division. One of our new and exciting projects is to scan the map collection held by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The collection is composed of thousands of maps from Indian Territory and Railroad maps to Town Plats and Oilfield maps. Because of the talent and dedication of our scanning guru, Ashley Hendricks, we have scanned and placed online over 800 map images. The coolest part of this project is that we decided to scan the maps at a high resolution. After you allow a minute or so for your computer to open the PDF file, you are free to zoom in and out and see the incredible detail preserved in these historic maps. I guarantee you will love it.
One of the maps (my personal favorite) we discovered while undertaking the project is the map we call "The Raymer Map." This hand drawn map was crafted  by Oklahoman Lester Raymer of Alva. In 1939 the Daughters of the American Revolution, who commissioned the work, donated the map to the Oklahoma Historical Society. On the map Raymer estimated the location of many historic sites, battles, roadways, and exploration routes.
It has been a challenge and a great honor to preserve, catalog and scan these wonderful maps, but that is what we do here at the History Center (the Mother Ship of Oklahoma History).
Incidentally, we have reproduced the Raymer Historic Map. It is 24" X 36" and available for $10.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling (I bought five already for Christmas gifts). Click here for order info. You can also come to the History Center and purchase the map and save the shipping charge. Just walk into the History Center off 23rd and Lincoln Blvd. and ask to see the Research Center. |
Ghost Stories from The Murrell Home
A new book, Ghost Stories from The Murrell Home, has just been released by the Friends of the Murrell Home. This book features ghost stories from the Murrell mansion and the surrounding Illinois River watershed.
The Murrell Home is the state's only surviving antebellum house and was a social center of the Cherokee Nation before, during, and after the Civil War. The book gives a peek into the supernatural events that are said to have happened at the home and in the surrounding area.
The book is a value priced at $10, plus $3 shipping and handling.
For more information contact:
The Murrell Home
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The Importance of Membership 
Membership revenue is vital to the ongoing operations of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Funds generated by membership contributions make possible the publishing and distribution of our monthly newsletter Mistletoe Leaves, our quarterly historical journal The Chronicles of Oklahoma, and our weekly e-newsletter OHS EXTRA!.
In addition, membership funds also support planning and constructing exhibits, education programs, and special events. This revenue, along with the Annual Giving Campaign and other donations, makes it possible for us to open the doors of History to tens of thousands of youngsters and adults each year.
We greatly appreciate renewals of memberships at all levels. For every member that does not renew their membership we have to recruit a new member just to break even. We value every member at all levels of support.
Individuals, couples, and institutions may join online at www.okhistory.org/OHS/ohs_info.php. Some choose to renew online as well. If you would like to download and print an application please click here. You may also visit www.okhistory.org/ohsmembership.pdf to view our membership brochure that explains all the benefits of being a member.
In addition, a number of members give gift memberships to others. Giving the gift of Oklahoma History and pride is a wonderful thing to do, and it is economical. Another way for members to help is to recommend others who should be invited to join. You may email the names and addresses of those individuals or couples to Paul Lambert at plambert@okhistory.org and he will see that they receive an invitation. Please let him know whether or not your name may be used in the letter of invitation. Again, thanks to all members of the OHS for their invaluable support. There are many other ways that Individuals may support the OHS, several of which cost nothing monetarily. Some of these ways will be discussed in future issues. |
Museum Volunteers Are Exceptional! Robbin D. Davis, CVA, Volunteer & Marketing Manager
Every day volunteers for the Oklahoma Museum of History are in the building greeting guests at the front desk and in the galleries. They answer questions about the exhibits and give tours to school children and adults. They check coats and count guests at special events. They help the education staff develop curriculum for students and new tours for all ages, portray living history characters and invest their time and talents in the goals and mission of the museum.
Volunteers often are seen talking and sharing stories with each other and the staff about their hobbies and families and their volunteer experiences at the museum. They meet the second Friday and the last Saturday of every month to visit with each other and to learn from staff members and guest lecturers, increasing their ever-growing knowledgebase on the fascinating history of Oklahoma.
The 95 volunteers that currently serve in the museum's Volunteer Services Program are undoubtedly some of the most thoughtful, engaging, enthusiastic individuals and they come together every day to support the Oklahoma Museum of History. Truly, this group of amazing people makes it easier for the staff to complete goals, increase the program capacity of the education department and help events run smoother.
The museum volunteer office is always accepting applications from individuals who would like to join the volunteer corps. Information is available on the History Center website at www.okhistorycenter.org including an application to the program and a list of service opportunities. You may also contact the volunteer office at (405)522-0754 or rdavis@okhistory.org for more information.
To the left, volunteers enjoying the opening party for the new exhibit, Another Hot Oklahoma Night; A Rock and Roll Exhibit.
To the right, volunteers celebrating their victory in the annual Oklahoma Trivia Challenge!
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Survey of Historic Barns in Southwestern OklahomaMelvena Heisch, Assistant State Historic Preservation Officer
The Oklahoma State University Department of Geography is conducting a survey of historic barns in a 17-county region of southwestern Oklahoma under a cooperative agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Oklahoma Historical Society. The funding is from the SHPO's FY 2009 Historic Preservation Fund allocation from the U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The survey project seeks to locate, record, and photograph examples of  surviving historic barns in each of the 17 counties. An OSU survey team will visit each barn, collect information on the barn's history, and produce a report detailing the history and geographical patterns of barn types, functions, and architectural forms in the study area. Each barn documented by the survey team will receive a permanent record in the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory, housed at the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. Anyone interested in assisting the survey team locate architecturally significant barns in the 17 counties is urged to contact Dr. Brad Bays by phone or email: Dr. Brad Bays Department of Geography 347 Murray Hall Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078-4073 (405) 744-9171 Email: b.bays@okstate.edu
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE SHPO'S DECEMBER WORKSHOPS
The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is pleased to announce the schedule for its annual fall workshop series. Workshops benefit preservation professionals, government agency representatives, and concerned citizens.
The sessions will be held Wednesday, December 9th through Friday, December 11th, in the Classroom, Oklahoma History Center, 2401 N. Laird, Oklahoma City. The workshops are free and open to the public, but the SHPO requests that you register by 5:00pm, Wednesday, December 2nd. Space is limited for all sessions and will be reserved on a first-come basis.
The workshop schedule is as follows:
December 9 (10:30am-12:30pm) - Federal and State Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
Participants will learn about the federal and state investment tax credits for certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. This session is designed as a stand-alone workshop or as a companion to Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
December 9 (1:30pm-4:30pm) - The Secretary's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
This half-day workshop is dedicated to a thorough discussion of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation. It is designed as a stand-alone workshop and as a companion to Federal and State Tax Incentives for Rehabilitation.
December 10 (10:30am-4:30pm) - The Section 106 Review Process: A Workshop for Agency Officials and Cultural Resource Management Consultants
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act provides that Federal agencies must consider the effect of their undertakings on archeological and historic properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Topics addressed in this day-long workshop include the basic requirements of Section 106, the regulations which govern the process, how to determine National Register eligibility, what constitutes adverse effects, mitigating adverse effects, and streamlining Section 106 review.
December 11 (10:30am-4:30pm) - Working with the National Register of Historic Places
This workshop provides detailed information about the National Register criteria, what listing means, the rights of property owners in the nomination process, tips for preparing successful nominations, and much more.
Registered architects who attend these workshops can qualify for American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) learning units. Simply register for the workshop(s). Certificates of Participation will be mailed the week of December 14th to those who complete the request form at the workshop location. Contact your local AIA chapter to self-report your attendance.
If you may have questions about workshop content, contact Melvena Heisch at (405)522-4484 or mheisch@okhistory.org.
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November 17, 2009
Shelly Crynes, Editor
(405)522-0317
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| Oklahoma Historical
2401 N Laird Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK
73105
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Do you have questions?
(405)522-0317 or
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