Thanks to the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant, Connors State College is beginning a journey to digitally archive its past and capture the voices of those who shaped its story.
The Connors State College Development Foundation recently secured this prestigious grant for the college’s Ogdon Family Museum. Their project, aptly titled “Building Futures: Remembering the Past,” aims to digitally preserve museum artifacts and collect oral histories from alumni, students, and faculty.
“These grant funds continue to empower local communities to collect, preserve and share their history for future generations of Oklahomans,” says Nicole Harvey, director of strategic initiatives and grants administrator for the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS). The grant program, offering funding between $1,000 and $20,000, has supported over 150 projects across the state, all in hopes of preserving Oklahoma’s diverse heritage.
For Connors State, this grant has been a game-changer. Already, over 600 artifacts have been digitally archived and properly stored, with more awaiting their turn. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the project is the collection of oral histories.
Dr. Lori Palmer, the museum administrator, speaks passionately about the interview project: “Documenting individual experiences with Connors has been a long-held vision of mine and seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding.” The project pairs current Connors community members with alumni, creating intergenerational conversations that bridge the college’s past and present.
One highlight has been a special session with the 1985 Cowgirls basketball team, national champions of that year. These interviews not only preserve memories but also offer invaluable wisdom to current and future students. “The wisdom and advice they offer to current and future students is truly priceless,” Dr. Palmer notes.
This project aligns perfectly with the mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society, founded in 1893, to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of Oklahoma and its people. Through initiatives like this, Connors State College is ensuring that its unique place in Oklahoma’s educational landscape is documented for generations to come.
As the project continues, the college is reaching out to its extended family. Alumni, former faculty, and staff are encouraged to share their Connors State experiences in an interview. It’s an opportunity to add your voice to the collection of memories that make up the college’s vibrant history.
In a world where the past can easily slip away, Connors State College is taking steps to ensure its legacy endures. Through digital preservation and personal narratives, they’re not just archiving history – they’re keeping it alive, one story at a time.
If you have a Connors State story to share or would like to recommend someone for an interview, please contact Dr. Lori Palmer at lori.palmer@connorsstate.edu.