About us

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Since our founding in 1927, the organization has grown to support education in a variety of ways including awarding tuition grants and scholarships, providing free statewide field trips, hosting Homeschool Days, offering free family fun days with interactive art activities, and donating our published books to schools and libraries across Oklahoma.

Mission
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, we are creating an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans.

Vision
We believe there are no limits to what is possible. Every day we celebrate the legacy of inspiring Oklahomans with all generations because Oklahomans are changing the world.

Core values

  • Pride – Creating generations of proud Oklahomans in all we do.
  • Integrity – Doing what we say and communicating clearly.
  • Inclusiveness – Accepting everyone and letting the past guide our decisions for a better future.
  • Excellence – Striving for greatness; always get caught trying.
Front entrance of the Mid-Continent Life Insurance Company building.

Our team

If you would like to request a speaker for an upcoming event or program, please fill out our Speakers Bureau Request Form and an OHOF representative will contact you.

For general inquiries, call our front desk at 405.235.4458 or toll free at 888.501.2059.

Shannon L. Rich
Shannon L. Rich
President & CEO
405.523.3201
Gini Moore Campbell
Gini Moore Campbell
Vice President
405.523.3202
Bethany Deason
Bethany Deason
Vice President of Building Operations
405.523.3218
Julie Korff
Julie Korff
Director of Accounting & Benefits Specialist
405.523.3204
Michelle Sopp
Michelle Sopp
Director of Marketing & Communications
405.523-3207
Anna Studstill
Anna Studstill
Director of Museum Experience
405.523.3211
April Waggoner
April Waggoner
Director of Special Events
405.523.3206
Emily Poppe
Emily Poppe
Development Officer
405-523-3203
Mattie Barlow
Mattie Barlow
Manager of Archives & Curatorial Projects
405.523.3214
Olivia Branscum
Olivia Branscum
Event Coordinator
Jorge L. Chavez
Jorge L. Chavez
Manager of Program Outreach
405.523.3213
Jeff Ledel
Jeff Ledel
Manager of Museum Maintenance
405.523.3212
Alaina Conley
Alaina Conley
Development Coordinator
405.523.3236
Kristen Olmsted
Kristen Olmsted
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
405.523.3208
Olivia Reyes
Olivia Reyes
Assistant Manager of Archives & Digital Preservation
405.523.3205
Kirsten Therkelson
Kirsten Therkelson
Manager of Museum Education
405.523.3231

Our history

1927

Anna B. Korn founds the Oklahoma Heritage Association to officially celebrate Statehood Day, recognize Oklahomans dedicated to their communities and state, and provide educational programming for all ages.

Archive photo of Ann B. Korn

1928

The first Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held, honoring Congressman Dennis T. Flynn of Oklahoma City and civic leader Elisabeth Fulton Hester of Muskogee.

1970

Robert A. Hefner, Sr. donates his home, the Hefner Mansion, to the organization as a facility to give the organization its first permanent home.

1972

The Oklahoma Heritage House (Hefner Mansion) opens to the public.

1975

The organization publishes its first book, The Judge: The Life of Robert A. Hefner, by Clifford Earl Trafzer.

1991

The organization expands the Oklahoma Scholarship Competition to include awarding tuition grants and scholarships to students in every county.

2001

The organization purchases the historic Mid-Continent Life Insurance Building in Oklahoma City with a gift from Edward L. Gaylord.

Archive photo of the Mid-Continent Life Insurance Building.

2005

T. Boone Pickens matches Edward L. Gaylord’s gift, allowing the organization to launch renovations and develop exhibits.

2007

The interactive Gaylord-Pickens Museum and new home to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame opens to the public.

Opening ceremony of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum

2008

The Teen Board and Second Century Young Professional Board were established to raise funds for the Museum's Free Field Trip and Free Family Fun programs.

2015

The first Oklahoma Born & Brewed fundraising event was held, supporting the growing craft beer industry in Oklahoma and the Museum's cultural programming.

2020

OHOF holds its first (and only) virtual Induction Ceremony in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Becky Dixon and J.C. Watts, Jr hosting the virtual induction ceremony.

2027

OHOF will celebrate its centennial birthday, marking 100 years of telling Oklahoma's story through its people.