Sooner State News

The Oklahoma History Center will host the second annual Oklahoma Women’s History Conference on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public without charge, but prior registration is necessary. Attendees have the option to purchase a boxed lunch during registration or bring their own.

The conference will feature two panel discussions and a keynote presentation. The first panel, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., will focus on early Oklahoma women’s activism. It includes speakers Dr. Edith Ritt-Coulter, Rilla Askew, and Connie Cronley, with Dr. Sunu Kodumthara moderating.

Following a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dr. Autumn Brown from Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program and the Clara Luper Civil Rights and Freedom Center will deliver the keynote address.

A second panel discussion is planned for 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest and Commissioners Jana Gridley and Joy Hammons from the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. Saidy Herrera, multicultural officer for the Oklahoma Historical Society, will moderate this session.

The event concludes with a social hour designed for networking opportunities among attendees. A pop-up area featuring local nonprofit women’s organizations will provide information and resources throughout the day, while the Oklahoma History Center Museum Store remains open.

Registration must be completed online before attending, where guests can also order boxed lunches from Mediterranean Imports; these lunches won't be available for purchase on-site during the event day. Visitors are encouraged to explore museum galleries at an additional cost while at the venue located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City.

The conference is organized by staff members from both the Oklahoma Historical Society and Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue staff. For further details, interested parties may contact 580-765-6108.

It is noted that "any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed during the program do not necessarily represent those of the Oklahoma Historical Society."