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. It's like a detective agency for the past! Its main job is to find, keep, and share the amazing stories and items from Oklahoma's history. They want everyone to learn about the state and its people.
The OHS is also connected to two very important national groups. These are the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives and Records Administration. This means they are a trusted place for history.
Contents
History of the OHS
The Oklahoma Historical Society started a long time ago. It was formed in May 1893. This was 14 years before Oklahoma even became a state! A group called the Territorial Press Association created it.
At first, the OHS mainly collected and shared newspapers. These papers were printed in the area known as Oklahoma Territory. In 1895, the OHS 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 state agency. A board of 25 people leads the OHS. Some members are chosen by the governor. Others are elected by the OHS members themselves.
What the OHS Does
The OHS works across Oklahoma and even nationally. Their goal is to protect and share Oklahoma's history. They help make sure important places, buildings, and items are saved.
The OHS also runs the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office. This office helps carry out special programs. These programs protect historic sites in Oklahoma. They work with the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. They also partner with local governments and other groups. The OHS even puts up markers at historical sites. These markers tell people about important events that happened there.
You can become a member of the OHS. This helps support their work. Memberships are available for individuals, families, and even schools or libraries.
Historical Collections and Archives
The OHS has a huge collection of historical items. Their Research Division is like a giant treasure chest of information.
- They have over 9 million photographs.
- There are more than 1 million pages of old documents and writings.
- They have recorded over 3,000 oral histories. These are stories told by people who lived through historical events.
- They also have old films and videos.
- You can find over 4,400 newspaper titles on microfilm.
Many of these historical items are available online. You can often look at them for free or for a small fee. This includes lists like the Dawes Rolls. These rolls list people who were part of Native American tribes. You can also find old census records and marriage records. The OHS website, called "Gateway to Oklahoma History," has many historic newspapers.
Museums and Historic Places
The Oklahoma Historical Society manages many interesting places. These include museums and historic sites all over the state.
Oklahoma History Center
The OHS runs the Oklahoma History Center. This is the state's main museum. It is located in Oklahoma City. The museum is very large, covering over 215,000 square feet. Inside, you can see more than 2,000 historical items. Many exhibits have hands-on activities. You can listen to audio or watch videos. There is also a museum store where you can buy souvenirs.
The History Center also has the OHS Research Division. This is a large research area. It is free and open to anyone who wants to learn more about Oklahoma's past.
Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP)
The OHS also planned a new museum called the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, or OKPOP. This museum is in Tulsa. It focuses on popular culture from Oklahoma. This includes music, television, movies, and performing arts.
Funding for OKPOP was approved in 2015. The museum is located on North Main Street in Tulsa. It is across from the famous Cain's Ballroom. In May 2023, the Oklahoma Senate passed a bill to help finish the museum's inside and add exhibits. The museum needed to raise matching funds by November 15, 2024, to get this state money.
Other Locations Managed by OHS
The Oklahoma Historical Society also takes care of many other important places. These include:
- Museums
- 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
- Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum
- Fred and Addie Drummond Home
- Hunter's Home
- Sod House
- Military Sites
- Affiliated Sites
- Atoka Museum and Civil War Cemetery
- Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School
- The Chisholm
- Fort Supply Historic Site
- Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion
- Oklahoma State Capitol Museum
- Tom Mix Museum
Leadership of the OHS
The Oklahoma Historical Society is overseen by the Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism and Branding. As of August 2025, Matt Pinnell holds this position. He works under the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt.
Board of Directors
A group of 25 people called the Board of Directors guides the OHS. Thirteen of these members are chosen by the OHS members. The other twelve are appointed by the governor of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Senate must approve these appointments. All board members serve for three years. The governor is also an honorary member of the board.
The board chooses an executive director for the society. This person also serves as the state's historic preservation officer. The current executive director is Trait Thompson.
See also
- List of historical societies in Oklahoma
