- This event has passed.
Heritage Awards 2025
The Edmond History Museum is honoring individuals and organizations for the 2025 Edmond Heritage Awards. The ceremonial dinner is on Thursday, August 21, 6:30-8:30 at The Lookout at Kickingbird. Heritage Awards is presented by Bank 7. Tables or individual tickets may be reserved at https://www.edmondhistory.org/event/heritage-awards-2025/. Gold and silver table sponsorships are also available.
Since 1988, nearly 200 individuals and organizations have been awarded for their substantial commitment to Edmond’s history. This year, we recognize the following:
Roll of Honor: Dr. Paul Lehman Family and Missy & Terry Attebery
Historic Preservation: Geri Pfeiffer and Nicole Willard
Historic Arts and Culture: Anne Shanks of Kaleidoscope
Community Service: Edmond Iris & Garden Society, Anita Schlaht and Gary Wallace.
Museum volunteers achieving 300+ hours of volunteerism will also be awarded: Madeline Wagner, Mary Burgher, Jerry Heppler, Bonnie Hanna.
Awardees (individual photos supplied upon request):
Nicole Willard
Over the past three decades, Nicole Willard has played a pivotal role in preserving UCO’s history. She served as a vital force in the university’s archives, collections, exhibitions, and education programs at the Max Chambers Library. Nicole taught archival courses and curated numerous exhibitions highlighting UCO’s rich historical collections, and she was governor-appointed as Chair of the State Archives and Records Commission for six years. Her efforts at saving history will influence generations of students, faculty, and visitors.
Dr. Paul Lehman is a University Professor Emeritus of the UCO department of English and former Dean of the Graduate College. Dr. Lehman was the first African American professor hired at UCO in 1976. As a prolific journalist and author, he has contributed valuable insight into Edmond’s African American history. His late wife, Marion, was instrumental in beginning a preschool program, and his children all grew up in the Edmond school system, making significant achievements in their respective fields. Dr. Lehman would like to honor his family members: Marion W. Lehman, Dr. Christopher P. Lehman, Karlyn E. Lehman, and Dr. Jeffrey R. Lehman.
Geri Pfeiffer:
Geraldine (Geri) Pfeiffer used research and technology to document every single one of the burials in Gracelawn Cemetery. At the beginning of the five-year project, only 6,400 of the 10,000+ graves were identified and photographed. Working cooperatively with cemetery staff, marked and unmarked graves are now photographed and recorded on the Find-A-Grave website, used by researchers around the world. Geri is also proud to have identified two unmarked graves of Civil War Soldiers, for which she applied for and received headstones.
Edmond Iris and Garden Society, Anita Schlaht:
Anita Schlaht led the charge for the Edmond Iris and Garden Society Centennial Committee as they began documenting historic irises in Edmond. She and Mary Jo Fortuna rescued over 1,000 irises from historic construction sites and relocated them for preservation. Anita has diligently identified, journaled and tracked these iris for three years, documenting over 50 historic varieties. Many of these heritage irises have been donated to parks and historic locations around Edmond and replanted, with the help of Cecilia Martin, for the public’s enjoyment.
Gary Wallace
Gary Wallace has volunteered thousands of community service hours. In addition to working with Boy Scouts and the Big Brothers & Big Sisters for many years, he spent over 1,000 hours as a greeter and tour guide at the Edmond History Museum. As a member and treasurer of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, Gary managed countless minor repairs to the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse for nearly a decade. He exemplifies his belief that, “A nation is strengthened by one person at a time.”
Missy and Terry Attebery
Malissa (Missy) Attebery and her late husband, Terry, taught and promoted musical education to thousands of Edmond residents. In addition to teaching music at schools and offering private lessons, they directed many show choirs and local musicals. In 1985, the couple began the Edmond’s Children’s Chorus, which is still active in the community. As members of Edmond First Presbyterian Church, the Atteberys are both known for directing significant plays and musicals. Missy continues to be amazed at the ways music forges connections for all people.
Kaleidoscope Dance Company, F. Anne Shanks (founder)
F. Anne Shanks established UCO’s first touring dance company, Kaleidoscope, in 1975 when she was the chair of the UCO Department of Dance. The name Kaleidoscope describes the company’s multi-faceted repertoire, which features all kinds of dance, ranging from classic ballet to modern hip-hop. Anne directed the dance company for 25 years, followed by the late Jamie Jacobson and the current director, Tina Kambour. Kaleidoscope students still perform throughout Oklahoma and internationally, showcasing dance as a universal language.
Sponsorships:
Gold Table Sponsor: $1000
*Full table includes 10 guests
*Logo on most marketing materials: awards video, table top, program and some social media.
Silver Table Sponsor: $750
*Full table includes 10 guests
*Logo on table top and in program
Specific Sponsors: $450
*Program recognition for sponsoring a choice of food, wine, plaques or flowers
- Roll of Honor – recognizes individuals or groups who have contributed substantial, multiple volunteer or supportive endeavors that provide lasting benefits for the entire Edmond community.
- Preservation of Historic Sites – the restoration of buildings or sites in Edmond. Nominee must have contributed time, energy and resources toward the preservation of an historically significant site within Edmond city limits.
- Historic Arts – creation of a literary, film, music, art or cultural project about the history of Edmond. Nominee must have portrayed the historic development of Edmond, OK through literature or artistic means.
- Community Service – honors individuals who have helped preserve Edmond history through outstanding community service.