The Annie Oakley Society is made up of women leaders and philanthropists who, like Annie Oakley, play a significant role in shaping their communities while keeping the values and spirit of the West alive.
Through their efforts, members are working with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to build and sustain world-class educational experiences to teach children and families the rich history of the American West. In addition to preserving Western heritage and supporting children’s education, the members of the Annie Oakley Society honor a woman of significance at their annual luncheon. This award is a way to show respect and admiration for outstanding women, who through true grit and determination, strive to make a difference while leaving a lasting legacy for us all.
History of the Annie Oakley Society The Annie Oakley Society was created by and is comprised of women leaders and philanthropists, who like Annie Oakley, play significant roles in shaping the communities around them and future generations. Through their efforts, they demonstrate undying determination, a passion for excellence and support for the American character preserved and promoted through the Museum.
About Annie Oakley Annie Oakley was a 19th century American sharpshooter and exhibition shooter who rose to fame in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show and played a significant role in shaping the future of women. As a female pioneer, she combined talent, skill, femininity and humility to achieve success as a businesswoman, athlete and wife.
“Aim at a high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second and maybe not the third… but keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally you will hit the bullseye of success.” – Annie Oakley
Luncheon
September 8, 2022
2021 Honorees
Susan Goldberg
Annie Oakley Society Award
Susan Goldberg is Editor in Chief of National Geographic and Editorial Director of National Geographic Partners. As Editorial Director, she leads all journalism across platforms, including digital journalism, magazines, podcasts, maps, newsletters and Instagram. She was named Editorial Director in October 2015 and Editor in Chief of National Geographic Magazine in April 2014. She is the 10th editor, and first female editor, of the magazine since it was first published in October 1888.
Under her leadership, National Geographic has been honored with nine National Magazine Awards, including four awards in 2020 and the top prize for General Excellence in 2019. In 2020, National Geographic also was named the Webby Media Company of the Year, with a total of 15 awards, as well as earning the Gold Medal as Brand of the Year for the Society of Publication Designers, the most prestigious award for visual journalism in the industry. In addition, National Geographic was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 2019 and for Explanatory Reporting in 2017. The magazine has received numerous other awards for photography, storytelling and graphics. Goldberg also has led reporting that was honored with multiple local, state and national awards, including the Pulitzer Prize at the San Jose Mercury News (1990/Breaking News), and four finalists for the Pulitzer at The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer (2008/Commentary; 2009/Feature Writing and Commentary; 2010/Commentary).
Before her employment at National Geographic, Goldberg was executive editor for federal, state and local government coverage for Bloomberg News in Washington. From 2007 to 2010, she was editor of The Plain Dealer, the daily newspaper of Cleveland and the largest newspaper in Ohio. Prior to that, from 2003-2007, she was the executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News, and served as the paper’s managing editor from 1999-2003. From 1989 to 1999, Goldberg worked at USA Today, including stints as a deputy managing editor of the News, Life and Enterprise sections. Previously, she worked as a reporter and editor at the Detroit Free Press. She began her career as a reporter at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. A Michigan native, Goldberg has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where she now funds the Susan Goldberg Scholarship at the university’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences’ School of Journalism.
In addition to awards for journalism, Goldberg has been recognized repeatedly for leadership. In 2013, she was voted one of Washington’s 11 most influential women in the media by Washingtonian magazine; In March 2015, Goldberg received the Exceptional Woman in Publishing Award from Exceptional Women in Publishing. In 2017 and again in 2019, Washingtonian named Goldberg among the most powerful women in Washington across professions. In 2020, InStyle magazine included Goldberg on its “Badass 50” list, naming her as No. 7 in its issue about “women who are changing the world;” she was selected as one of Folio’s Top Women in Media for having an “exceptional impact” on the direction of the industry; and she was recognized by the International Women’s Media Foundation as the Leadership Honoree for her work in uplifting women journalists and telling under-reported stories.
Goldberg lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Geoffrey Etnire, a real estate lawyer. They have one grown son.
Goldberg will participate in a real-time, virtual Q & A session with luncheon attendees after a presentation prepared by National Geographic.
The Women of the Gaylord Family
Legacy Award
Christy Gaylord Everest, Louise Gaylord Bennett, Mary Gaylord McClean, Tricia Everest, Mary Everest FitzSimons, Mollie Bennet McCurdy and Christy Bennett Lane
To honor the character, perseverance and moral fiber of our name sake, Annie Oakley, through creative programming and meaningful outcomes to help make the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum a world-renowned educational experience.
Annie Oakley Society memberships are renewed on an annual basis. If you would like to make quarterly or monthly payments toward a membership, please click here to fill out this form or contact Kirby Stokes, Manager of the Annie Oakley Society at (405) 838-1692.
Little Sure Shot $250
Cowboy Family Museum Membership – Includes Museum admission for two adults and four children
Listed in donor recognition materials for one year
Silver commemorative pin
Seating for one at the Annie Oakley Society Luncheon and Awards
Golden Spike Museum Membership – Includes Museum admission for six people and admission for two people to more than 1,000 North American Reciprocal Museum Association institutions (NARM)
Listed in donor recognition materials for one year
Enameled commemorative pin
Premier seating for eight (one table) at the Annie Oakley Society Luncheon and Awards
Private, behind-the-scenes Museum and vault tour for group of six
Golden Spike Museum Membership – Includes Museum admission for six people and admission for two people to more than 1,000 North American Reciprocal Museum Association institutions (NARM)
Listed in perpetuity on donor recognition materials
Enameled commemorative pin
Premier seating for eight (one table) at the Annie Oakley Society Luncheon and Awards
Private, behind-the-scenes Museum and vault tour for group of six
Mission
To build and sustain world-class educational experiences for children and families to teach the rich history of the American West for generations to come.
Vision
To honor the character, perseverance and moral fiber of our namesake, Annie Oakley, through creative programming and meaningful outcomes to help make the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum a world-renowned educational experience.
Objectives
Raise funds to build and sustain state-of-the-art educational exhibits, facilities, programs and outreach services to teach children, teachers and families from around the world about the rich history of the American West.
Honor a contemporary woman each year with The Annie Oakley Society Award in recognition of distinguished success, passion for excellences and leadership.
Celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who “Aim High” as trailblazers in their communities, by demonstrating leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit of the West.