Oklahoma Historical Society facts for kids
Oklahoma Historical Society logo
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | May 27, 1893 |
| Headquarters | 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City |
| Employees | 180 |
| Annual budget | $20 million |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Website | Oklahoma Historical Society |
The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is a special group in Oklahoma that works to save and share the state's amazing history. They collect old photos, documents, and objects to help everyone learn about Oklahoma's past and its people. The OHS is also connected to the famous Smithsonian Institution and National Archives and Records Administration, which means they are a really important place for history!
Contents
Learning About Oklahoma's Past
The Oklahoma Historical Society was started in May 1893. This was 14 years before Oklahoma officially became a state! It was first created by a group of newspaper publishers.
At first, the OHS mainly collected and shared newspapers from the Oklahoma Territory. In 1895, it became an official part of the territorial government. When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, the OHS became a state government agency.
Today, the OHS is both a private group with members and a government agency. A board of 25 directors helps lead the OHS. Some directors are chosen by the governor, and others are elected by OHS members.
What the OHS Does for History
The OHS works across Oklahoma and the whole country to protect and share the state's history. They help keep Oklahoma's past alive for future generations.
Protecting Historic Places
The OHS runs the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. This office helps protect important buildings, parks, objects, and sites in Oklahoma. They work with the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. They also partner with local governments and other groups. The OHS even puts up special markers at historical sites. These markers tell you about important events that happened there.
Becoming a Member
You can become a member of the OHS! Memberships are available for individuals, families, and even schools or libraries.
Discovering Historical Collections
The OHS has a huge collection of historical items. Their Research Division holds millions of photographs. They also have over a million pages of historical documents and old letters.
You can find 3,000 recorded oral histories, which are stories told by people who lived through historical events. They also have old films and videos. Plus, there are more than 4,400 different newspapers on microfilm.
Online Resources
Many of the OHS's historical documents are available online for free or at a low cost. You can find things like:
- Lists of people from the Dawes Rolls.
- Records of Oklahoma military deaths.
- The 1890 Oklahoma Territorial Census.
- Old marriage records from Oklahoma County.
- Obituaries from the Daily Oklahoman newspaper.
Their online catalog also has many photographs from their collection. You can even read historic newspapers for free on their "Gateway to Oklahoma History" website.
Visiting Museums and Historic Sites
The Oklahoma Historical Society runs many museums and historic places across the state. These places help people explore Oklahoma's rich past.
Oklahoma History Center
The main museum is the Oklahoma History Center, located in Oklahoma City. It's a very large museum, covering over 215,000 square feet. Inside, you'll find more than 2,000 artifacts and exhibits. Many exhibits have hands-on activities, audio, and video to make learning fun.
The History Center also has the OHS Research Division. This includes a large Research Center that is free and open to everyone. You can visit a museum store there or shop online.
Other Exciting Locations
The OHS also manages many other state-owned properties. These include museums, historic homes, and military sites.
Museums to Explore
- Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
- Museum of the Western Prairie
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
- Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library
- Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue
- Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center
- White Hair Memorial
- Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Historic Homes to Visit
- Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum
- Fred and Addie Drummond Home
- Hunter's Home
- Sod House
Military Sites to See
- Cabin Creek Battlefield
- Fort Gibson Historic Site
- Fort Towson Historic Site
- Honey Springs Battlefield
Who Leads the OHS
The Oklahoma Historical Society is overseen by the Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism and Branding. Currently, Matt Pinnell holds this position under Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt.
Board of Directors
The OHS is guided by a board of 25 directors. Thirteen of these members are chosen by the society's members. The other twelve are appointed by the governor of Oklahoma and approved by the Oklahoma Senate. All members serve for three years. The governor is also a special member of the board.
The board chooses an executive director for the society. This person also serves as the state historic preservation officer. The current executive director is Trait Thompson.
