Growing the Partnerhsip: Using History to Tell The Conservation Story
This week, the Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society is headed to San Antonio, Texas, for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting. On Wednesday, February 18, we'll be presenting a 60-minute breakout session titled "Growing the Partnership: Using History to Tell the Conservation Story."
Click Here to Download a .PDF of the paper OCHS prepared for our presentation
Our goal? To show conservation districts, state associations, and conservation professionals from across the country that what we've accomplished in Oklahoma over the past eight years is replicable—and worth replicating.
What We'll Cover
OCHS President Ben Pollard will share our origin story—how a persistent vision to preserve Oklahoma's conservation history transformed from an ambitious museum concept into a practical, partnership-based historical society. Ben will walk through the pivotal moments: the Ken Burns Dust Bowl documentary screenings that sparked community interest, Tom Lucas's discovery of 20,000 historic photographs in NRCS storage, and the critical decision to partner with existing institutions rather than build everything from scratch.
Larry Caldwell, OCHS Secretary/Treasurer and retired NRCS engineer with over 50 years of service, will detail our major projects and partnerships. From 54 oral history interviews with conservation pioneers to digitizing over 10,000 historic photographs, from museum-quality traveling exhibits to major 90th anniversary commemorations that drew 345+ attendees—Larry will show what an all-volunteer organization can accomplish through strategic collaboration.
Dr. Sam Stalcup, board member and a former NRCS historian, will discuss why conservation history matters as a practical tool for strengthening partnerships, preserving institutional knowledge, inspiring future conservationists, and making conservation relevant to new audiences. I'll also share how we've built our digital presence through professional website design and active social media engagement, meeting people where they are: on their phones.
Finally, Dr. Shelby Callaway, NRCS National Historian, will reflect on OCHS efforts and provide a national perspective on conservation history.
The Replication Guide
We've prepared a comprehensive companion paper that goes beyond what we can cover in 60 minutes. This paper provides practical, step-by-step guidance for any state interested in preserving and sharing its conservation history.
Click Here to Download the Paper
The paper includes:
Detailed organizational development guidance (incorporation, bylaws, 501(c)3 process)
Partnership strategies and sample agreements
Project descriptions with budget information
First steps for getting started in your state
Topics every state can explore in conservation history
Research resources and bibliography
Lessons learned from eight years of OCHS operation
Why This Matters
Every state has conservation pioneers whose knowledge is disappearing. Every state has historic photographs and important documents sitting in file cabinets gathering dust. Every state has a conservation story that deserves to be told.
The OCHS model proves that you don't need millions of dollars, a physical museum, or a large professional staff. You need vision, strategic partnerships, and commitment to the work. Our asset-light, partnership-based approach has allowed us to accomplish significant preservation and public engagement with limited resources and volunteer leadership.
Most importantly: you don't need to be a historian by training to do this work. You need curiosity about the past, respect for accuracy, and commitment to preserving and sharing stories. The rest can be learned, and partner institutions can provide technical expertise.
Join Us in San Antonio
If you're attending the NACD Annual Meeting, we hope you'll join us on Wednesday, February 18. Come learn how conservation history can strengthen your district, engage new audiences, and ensure that future generations understand the remarkable legacy of soil and water conservation in America.
Every state's conservation story matters. Will you be the one to tell yours?