The Oklahoma Historical Society aims to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of Oklahoma through the maintenance and management of museums, historic sites, and research centers located across the state of Oklahoma>. Most known for the Oklahoma History Center and Research Center, the Oklahoma Historical Society has many collections and programs aimed at education and cultural and historical preservation.

  • When was the Oklahoma Historical Society founded?

    • The Oklahoma Historical Society was founded in 1893, just four years after the founding of the town of Kingfisher, by nineteen editors of the Oklahoma Territory Press Association.

    • They wanted to collect and preserve newspapers published in Oklahoma Territory as part of a historical society.

  • When did the Oklahoma Historical Society partner with the University of Oklahoma?

    • In 1895, the association partnered with the University of Oklahoma to pass legislation allowing the historical society to be the trustee for territorial records and receive government funding for operations.

    • The headquarters and archives were moved to the university campus in Norman.

  • How did the Oklahoma Historical Society's collection grow?

    • By 1907, the society had amassed over 3,000 newspapers, more than 1,000 books, and nearly 2,000 documents, along with speeches, manuscripts, and legislative records.

    • By 1926, the collection had quadrupled in size.

  • What is the Temple of History?

    • In 1929, a bill authorized the construction of the Temple of History, which would also serve as a war memorial with offices and galleries for veterans and patriotic groups.

    • This building became the permanent home of the Oklahoma Historical Society collection.

  • What historical sites has the Oklahoma Historical Society preserved?

    • In 1934, the society acquired Fort Gibson Barracks and began preserving its structures.

    • They also purchased Sequoyah’s cabin and built stone walls around several historic sites in the 1930s.

    • Other acquisitions include:

      • Cabin Creek Battlefield (1952)
      • Worcester Cemetery (1952)
      • A Choctaw Chief’s home (1959)
      • Fort Washita (1962)
      • Honey Springs (1967)
      • Fort Towson (1968)

    • Throughout the 1970s, the society acquired historic homes and museums, securing 10 properties between 1973-1975.

  • What museums and historic sites does the Oklahoma Historical Society maintain?

    • The Oklahoma Historical Society maintains many museums, historic homes, and military sites throughout the state.

    • A full list of sites can be found on the Historical Society webpage.

  • What historic homes are preserved by the Oklahoma Historical Society?

    • Some of the historic homes include:

      • A.J. Seay Mansion
      • Frank Phillips Home
      • Will Rogers Birth Place Ranch
      • T.B. Ferguson Home
      • Sod House Museum
      • Henry Overholser Mansion
      • Fred Drummond Mansion
      • George M. Murrell Home
      • Pawnee Bill Ranch
      • Jim Thorpe Home
  • What military sites are managed by the Oklahoma Historical Society?

    • Some of the military sites include:

      • Honey Springs Battlefield
      • Cabin Creek Battlefield
      • Fort Gibson
      • Fort Washita
      • Fort Supply
      • Fort Towson
  • What museums are part of the Oklahoma Historical Society?

    • Some of the museums include:

      • Will Rogers Memorial Museum
      • Atoka Museum and Confederate Cemetery
      • Cherokee Strip Museum
      • White Hair Memorial
      • Tom Mix Museum
      • Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
      • Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
      • Pioneer Woman Museum
      • Chisholm Trail Museum
      • No Man’s Land Museum
      • Museum of the Western Pride
      • Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
      • Oklahoma History Center
      • Oklahoma Territorial Museum
  • What educational opportunities are available at the Oklahoma Historical Society?

    • The Research Center is open Tuesday through Saturday and is free to the public.

    • It offers non-circulating materials and tours that can be arranged online or by phone.

    • The Oklahoma History Center provides educational programs, workshops, lectures, and scouting programs.

    • Collections at the History Center include American Indian, Military, Photographs, Textiles, and Historical materials.

Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, Phone: 405-521-2491

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