Press Releases

NATIONAL MEMORIAL SUMMER PROGRAM INTRODUCES VISITORS TO ‘STORIES OF HOPE’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 22, 2007

CONTACT: Nancy Coggins, APR
405.235.3313 or 405.760.9053
nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

NATIONAL MEMORIAL SUMMER PROGRAM INTRODUCES VISITORS TO ‘STORIES OF HOPE’
First-hand accounts of hope and healing provide insight to museum-goers

OKLAHOMA CITY — Their stories are powerful examples of the hope and resilience this community showed the nation and the world following the April, 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. Each Friday this summer, Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum visitors can hear from some of the people who bore witness to the tragedy of that day and who have since transformed that tragedy into hope.

First Person– Stories of Hope allows family members, survivors, rescue workers, members of the media and others directly impacted by the bombing to share their remarkable stories inside the Memorial Museum. Visitors to the Museum can experience these special talks at 1:30 p.m., Fridays, May 25 – August 31 with their paid admission to the Memorial Museum.

“The stories these individuals tell about that day and what has happened in their lives since are incredible,” said Kari Watkins, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum executive director. “We all have things we can learn about hope and resilience through listening to their stories.”

Each Friday throughout the summer will feature a different speaker.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge. The Memorial Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, 1-6p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62+) and $6 for students (six years old - college with valid ID). Children under six are admitted free. Group rates and programs are available. Special exhibits are included in the cost of admission. Ticket sales end at 5 p.m. daily. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

For more information on the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, call (888) 542-HOPE or visit www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.
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Photos and bios of First Person speakers are available to media outlets needing images. Please e-mail Nancy Coggins (nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org) to request images for publication.

Schedule of Speakers

May 25            Don Bown                    City Manager, City of Oklahoma City, 1995
June 1             Tammy Payne              News Anchor, 1995
June 8             JoeVan Bullard             Assistant City Manager, City of Oklahoma City, 1995
June 15            Barry Black                  Special Agent, FBI
June 22            Sara Sweet                  Family Member
June 29            Major Ed Hill                Rescue Worker
July 6               Jon Hansen                 Rescue Worker
July 13             Florence Rogers           Survivor
July 20             Larry Hansen               Rescue Worker
July 27             Richard Williams           Survivor
August 3           Helena Garrett             Survivor & Family Member
August 10         The Honorable Richard L. Bohanon and Ann Bohanon Original Task Force Members
August 17         Alice Denison               Family Member
August 24         Sue Hale                     Executive Editor, The Oklahoman
August 31         Charlie Hanger            Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper, 1995

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