Oklahoma Hall of Fame Kicks Off Road to 100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026: The Oklahoma Hall of Fame hosted a kickoff for its Road to 100 event series on the evening of Wednesday, September 2. As the organization approaches its centennial in 2027, it will host luncheons in 13 cities and towns to celebrate 100 years of impact, promote educational programs, and connect with Oklahomans from all corners of the state.
Since 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame has honored the stories of remarkable individuals who have called Oklahoma home. With a focus on expanding access to educational and historical resources, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame provides classroom curriculum, free Museum tours, book donations, scholarships, and more.
“Our centennial is the perfect opportunity to highlight the important mission of sharing Oklahoma's stories,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. "These stories remind us the power of what we've accomplished, and they inspire future generations of Oklahomans to continue making our state and our world a better place."
Kickoff Co-Hosts Wes Milbourn and Luis Lopez of Oklahoma City welcomed guests to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum on Wednesday, September 2 to learn about the work and accomplishments of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame over the past 100 years, as well as the organization's plans for the future. Milbourn is on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Board of Directors and Lopez is the chair of the organization's Second Century Board of young professionals.
Theresa Fout of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) spoke about the impact of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame's work and its partnership with OKCPS to bring free lessons, classroom supplies, and books to more than 2,500 third grade students through the Oklahoma Originals program during the 2025-2026 school year.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Tricia Everest (Class of 2019) shared remarks to close out the program. She serves as a Statewide Honorary Co-Chair for the Road to 100 alongside fellow Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductees Christy Everest (Class or 2004) and Vince Gill (Class of 1997).
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Road to 100 celebration will continue in other towns and cities across the state. With the help of District Co-Chairs in each location, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame will honor the unique stories and spirit of each community. For more about the Road to 100 visit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame website. Those interested in attending an event should sign up for updates at the bottom of the webpage.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
