Preservation Conference Comes to Tulsa
The National Preservation Conference is here! Thousands of preservationists from across the nation have arrived in Tulsa for this year’s annual conference, appropriately titled: “Preservation in Progress.” This is one of the largest conventions that Tulsa has hosted since the 1970’s.
While many of you have already registered to attend the full conference, others may wish to attend one of several public sessions. Here’s a summary of the NTHP events and field sessions that are open to the public.
Special Lecture: THE OKLAHOMA PRESERVATION STORY
Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society and Oklahoma’s SHPO, will talk about the Trail of Tears, all-black towns, land runs, and the twin booms of oil and agriculture that made Oklahoma the fastest growing state in the nation from 1907 to 1920.
When: Tuesday, October 21, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church at 709 South Boston Ave
Opening Plenary Session
Mayor Taylor will talk about the how Tulsa is embracing preservation while developing its communities. Wilma Mankiller, former Chief of the Cherokee Nation, will address community revitalization, the Native American experience, and what it takes to rejuvenate a community and lead a nation to rebirth. In addition, Richard Moe will present the annual President’s Report and David L. Winstead will set forth GSA strategies for utilizing its historic public buildings. (Roughly half of the GSA’s buildings are over 50 years old, and about one fourth are listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.) The Cherokee Youth Choir will also perform traditional Cherokee songs.
When: Wednesday, October 22, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Boston Avenue Methodist Church at 1301 South Boston
Exhibit Hall
If you’re into historic preservation, you’ll want to explore the exhibit hall with its mix of services, resources and products. Visit the demonstration area and hear news of the latest in technology, tips and techniques to make your next preservation project a breeze. The conference bookstore in the exhibit hall features books and other merchandise with a preservation focus.
When: Wednesday-Friday, Oct 22–24
Wed: 9:00 AM –3:00 PM
Thurs & Fri: 9:00 AM –5:00 PM
Location: Tulsa Convention Center
National Preservation Awards
The 2008 National Preservation Awards ceremony is a gala tribute to the best in preservation. Awards include: the Louise duPont Crowninshield Award, the Honor Awards, the Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence, John H. Chafee Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy, Trustee Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites, the National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, and the National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation Award.
When: Thursday, October 23, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Will Rogers High School at 3909 East 5th Place
Special Lecture: THE ROMANCE OF THE MOTHER ROAD, HISTORIC ROUTE 66
Best-selling author and Route 66 expert, Michael Wallis, will give a lecture about the history and appeal of the Mother Road. Wallis has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize three times and was also nominated for the National Book Award.
When: Friday, October 24, 5:45 – 6:45 PM.
Location: First United Methodist Church at 1115 South Boulder Avenue
Closing Plenary Session
Eminent historian Nell Irvin Painter, PhD, award-winning scholar and author will speak at the closing session. Dr. Painter offers a history written for a new generation of African Americans, from life in Africa before slavery to today’s hiphop culture. Dr. Painter is president of the Organization of American Historians. Author and urbanist Anthony M. Tung will also speak. His book, Preserving The World’s Great Cities: The Destruction and Renewal of the Historic Metropolis, is a detailed portrait of preservation efforts in 18 cities across the globe. He will discuss the outstanding characteristics and successful strategies of these 18 cities and offer his perspective on Tulsa’s potential as a great American city.
When: Saturday, October 25, 10:30 AM – 12 Noon
Location: Tulsa Convention Center
[ Via TulsaNow ]
