Story provided by Stillwater Public Library

Be part of a six week series on one of 2017’s most celebrated and award-winning books.

“One Book, One Community: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” takes place March 1- April 12 and is the ninth community-wide reading series presented by Stillwater Public Library.

Author David Grann’s book, which recounts the serial murders of Osage tribe members, was a finalist for the National Book Award and was one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2017. It is being adapted for a film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The free series is designed to foster a sense of community through a shared reading experience and to increase an understanding of a dark period in Oklahoma history and an appreciation of the Osage Nation. All events will be held at Stillwater Public Library, unless otherwise stated in the schedule below:   

• Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m. – Kick-off with guest speaker Dr. Andrea Hunter (Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office) presenting “The Osage Nation: A Brief History,” which traces the history of the Osage from the earliest known existence to the removal of the tribe into Oklahoma. Attendees may register for the series and get a free copy of “Killers of the Flower Moon” when they sign-up for a book discussion.
• Tuesday, March 6, 1-2:30 p.m. – “The Problem of Riches: Oil Boom and Bust in Indian Country” with Dr. Katrina Lacher (Univ. of Central Oklahoma) explores the early twentieth-century rise of the oil industry and its impact on the Osage, Creek, Seminole, and other tribes. This event takes place at the OLLI Town Hall held in the library.
• Thursday, March 8, 5-7 p.m. – “The Life of Boom and Bust Oil Towns in Payne County” exhibit opening at the Stillwater Museum of History at the Sheerar. In the 1910s, striking oil could transform a quiet town into a bustling community in a matter of days. In Payne County the discovery of oil was no different, leading to oil booms and busts throughout the county.
• Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m. – “Forensic Science Capabilities during the Osage Murders Compared to Today” with Dr. Dwight Adams (UCO, Forensic Science Institute) – The former director of the FBI laboratory at Quantico and member of the team that developed DNA techniques first used in 1988, will discuss law enforcement technologies in the early 1900s and contrast with those available in a modern crime laboratory.
• Tuesday, March 20, 6 p.m. – “Osage Tribal Murders” documentary screening with discussion led by Kathryn Red Corn, former long-time Osage Tribal Museum director. The documentary recounts, through interviews and re-enactments, the 1920s Osage murders, also known as the “Reign of Terror.”  
• Saturday, March 24, 1-5 p.m. – Osage Cultural Fair – Experience traditional Osage culture at this family-focused, come-and-go event including Osage dance, singing, and story demonstrations, as well as booths featuring traditional Osage foods, ribbon art crafts, dice games, pottery, Osage language activities, and an Osage Drum exhibit.
• Monday, March 26, 7 p.m. – “Osage Art” with Addie Roanhorse, artist, photographer, and senior graphic design specialist for the Osage Nation, who will discuss Osage art, both past and present, and how David Grann’s book is related to her personal life and the influences on her art.
• Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m. at the Stillwater Community Center – “Wahzhazhe- An Osage Ballet” includes a dance performance by the Osage Student Ballet and commentary from director Randy Tinker Smith.
• Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the OSU Alumni Center – Author David Grann will discuss his research and experiences in writing the book “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Descendants of Osage named in the book will share the effect these events still have on their families. Book signing included.

In addition to these programs, over a dozen book discussions will be held throughout the community. Experienced leaders will moderate each discussion.

For more information, visit the series website at library.stillwater.org/flowermoon.php or contact the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.

The program is funded in part by Oklahoma Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, Osage Nation Foundation, Friends of Stillwater Public Library, Stillwater Public Library Trust, and Oklahoma State University Library. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed during the series do not necessarily represent those of the sponsors.

Community Partners include Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office, Osage Language Department, WahZhaZhi Cultural Center, City of Stillwater Community Center, Atherton Hotel, Bliss Books & Bindery, Stillwater Schools Indian Education Program, Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar, and OSU Partners: Friends of the OSU Library, Center for American Indian Studies, Center for Oklahoma Studies, Center for Poets & Writers, Center for Sovereign Nations, Division of Institutional Diversity, Modella Art Gallery, Museum of Art, Native American Faculty & Staff Association, Native American Student Association, and Stillwater Center for the Arts.