OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is now accepting nominations for its annual awards program. Recipients of these awards will be honored at the OHS Awards Banquet to be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

The OHS is seeking nominations for the following awards:

  • Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame: This honor recognizes distinguished and long-term contributions to Oklahoma history through demonstrated excellence.
  • Bruce T. Fisher Award: This award recognizes the significant contribution of an individual or organization for history-related projects, including exhibits, short-form publications, collections care, film, programming, and digital projects completed in the previous year with a budget under $20,000.
  • Linda Williams Reese Award: This award recognizes the outstanding dissertation or thesis on Oklahoma history completed in the previous year. It includes a $500 award.
  • Joseph B. Thoburn Award: This is awarded to a junior or senior in high school who exhibits outstanding achievements in the presentation or interpretation of state and local history. It includes a $500 scholarship.
  • William D. Pennington Award: This award acknowledges an outstanding social studies teacher—one who makes a lasting impact on students and provides remarkable support for Oklahoma National History Day projects.

To nominate an individual or a history project, visit www.okhistory.org/awards and download the nomination form specific to the award. Current members of the OHS Board of Directors and current employees of the OHS and its museums, sites and affiliates are not eligible. The completed form must be submitted no later than October 20 to larry.odell@history.ok.gov or mailed to Larry O’Dell, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.