The next time you venture out for some on-the-water fun in Oklahoma, stop and reflect on this unique fact: Essentially all of Oklahoma’s major lakes and reservoirs are man-made.
“Most were created by constructing dams across streams. Most lakes were made for flood control, water supply, recreation, fish, wildlife and/or hydroelectric power,” according to The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and...
Temple Israel, one of Tulsa’s oldest congregations, is preparing to enter a new chapter in its 112-year history. Construction is underway on a new building scheduled to open in 2027, a project designed to balance modern worship needs with the congregation’s deep historical and cultural roots.
The new facility is estimated to cost $14.5 million, with the leading gift donated...
As the film industry branches out, shooting in more states than California and New York, Oklahoma continues to grow as a viable candidate for all kinds of productions – thanks in part to a generous film incentive.
“Oklahoma was one of the first states in North America to offer a film incentive, and the available programs have steadily evolved since...
Morel hunter Vernon McIntosh’s raspy voice softens as he recalls every detail of that unforgettable day.
It was April 15, 2021. He and mushroom-hunting buddy Lester Icke were breaking in McIntosh’s new pickup near Woodward.
“Let’s go check my spot,” McIntosh says.
They parked along the fringes of a state park – serious hunters don’t divulge their secret locations – and walked...
With the motoring vacation season fast approaching, Oklahoma’s large travel centers, operated by a major state corporation and several Native American tribal enterprises, are ready to offer most anything a traveler might need.
Centrally located in the U.S., with Interstates 40 and 35 bisecting the state east to west and north to south, and I-44 going from southwest to northeast,...
From great tragedy arose great awareness – and the opportunity to rise to the occasion and be the difference.
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City, its residents and the whole country were forever changed when a blast exploded from a rental truck downtown at 9:02 a.m in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The blast killed 168, including...
For generations, libraries have been quiet cornerstones of their communities, places where shelves of books hold the promise of discovery. But in an era defined by an overhaul of digital infrastructure, libraries are being challenged to redefine their role.
Rather than fading away, many are evolving in creative ways, blending tradition with technology to remain essential gathering places for learning,...
Agricultural technology is growing in rural Oklahoma.
Amarie Bartel is the Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) Rural Economic Development Coordinator, and says the OKFB program Oklahoma Grassroots Rural & Ag Business Accelerators puts OKFB on the front lines of the rural and agricultural innovation space.
In three years, OKFB has supported 42 rural Oklahoma startup companies in 36 unique communities, creating over...
As a nearly lifelong horror-film fan – I saw my first scary movie when I was four years old – I’ve always been pleased when I discover Oklahoma connections to the genre. I suppose you could start with one of the greats of classic horror cinema, Lon Chaney Jr., who was born in Oklahoma City and went on to...
Before there were “she-sheds,” Marie Antoinette had the ultimate girl getaway: the Petit Trianon and an adjacent hamlet. This sanctuary was a recreated village paradise where France’s queen introduced her children to pastoral life, nature and simplicity while also entertaining her friends as a respite from palace life. Nowadays, we call it wellness or self care.
This hamlet had it...
