Historically Local: The Central Role of the North Canadian River

Join us as we celebrate the green heart of our city through an enlightening evening of storytelling and local history! 🌳✨ In the next installment of our Historically Local Speaker Series, we welcome the incomparable Bob Blackburn.

The North Canadian River: The Lifeline of OKC Parks

The North Canadian River has always served as more than just a waterway; it is the central artery that has driven the evolution of Oklahoma City's public spaces. From the historic land run of 1889 to the modern transformations brought on by the MAPS projects, the river's connection with our parks has shaped our community experience.

In this captivating session, Bob Blackburn will delve into his latest work, Parks of Oklahoma City: A History (co-authored with Brian Dougherty). He'll explore:

• The Visionaries: Discover how early city leaders harnessed the river to sculpt Grand Boulevard and the city's "Emerald Necklace."
• The Evolution: Trace the transformation from untamed riverbanks to iconic spots like Scissortail Park.
• The Neighborhood Impact: Reflect on the quiet corners and public spaces that have nurtured community connections for over 130 years.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, August 6
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: Castle Falls (The Venue)
• Required Registration: Register Here

Books Available 📖

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase Bob Blackburn and Brian Dougherty’s new book, Parks of Oklahoma City: A History, at the event! Get your copy signed by the "Historian Extraordinaire" himself!

About the Speaker

Bob Blackburn is a distinguished Oklahoma historian and former Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. His extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling make him the definitive voice on the history of our city and state.

Location

Address: 820 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, US 73127

Join us for this memorable evening of history and community! 🏞️