Oklahoma Historical Society

Oklahoma Historical Society. The Oklahoma Historical Society is a state agency responsible for collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Oklahoma, United States. It was founded in 1893 by a group of pioneers, including Angie Debo, who were dedicated to preserving the history of the American West, Indian Territory, and the Oklahoma Land Runs. The society is headquartered in Oklahoma City and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and Records Administration, and the Library of Congress.

● History

The Oklahoma Historical Society was established during the Land Run of 1889, when settlers were claiming land in the Unassigned Lands of Indian Territory. The society's early years were marked by the collection of artifacts and documents related to the Cherokee Nation, Creek Nation, Seminole Nation, and other Native American tribes in the region. The society's first president was William P. Campbell, who served from 1893 to 1895 and was instrumental in establishing the organization's early collections, including the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and the Fort Gibson Historic Site. The society also worked closely with the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the Chickasaw Nation to develop its collections and programs.

● Mission and Activities

The Oklahoma Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, and share the history of Oklahoma, with a focus on the American West, Pioneer Life, and the Native American experience. The society achieves its mission through a variety of activities, including the operation of museums, historic sites, and research centers, such as the Oklahoma History Center, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and the Cherokee Heritage Center. The society also publishes the Chronics of Oklahoma, a quarterly journal that features articles on Oklahoma history, and sponsors events and exhibitions, such as the Oklahoma State Fair and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's annual exhibition. The society works closely with other organizations, including the National Park Service, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.

● Museums and Historic Sites

The Oklahoma Historical Society operates a number of museums and historic sites across the state, including the Oklahoma History Center, the Fort Gibson Historic Site, and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. These sites offer a range of exhibits and programs that showcase the history of Oklahoma, from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. The society also operates the Murrell Home, a historic house museum in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and the George M. Murrell Home, a historic site in Park Hill, Oklahoma. Other historic sites and museums in Oklahoma include the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium, the Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Gilcrease Museum.

● Research and Collections

The Oklahoma Historical Society's research center and collections are among the largest and most comprehensive in the United States. The society's collections include over 10 million artifacts, documents, and photographs related to Oklahoma history, including the Cherokee Nation's Constitution, the Creek Nation's Treaty of 1856, and the Seminole Nation's Treaty of 1866. The society's research center is a major resource for historians, researchers, and students, and offers access to a wide range of materials, including the Oklahoma State Archives, the Indian Archives, and the Oklahoma Historical Society Museum's collections. The society also works closely with other research institutions, including the University of Oklahoma Libraries, the Oklahoma State University Library, and the National Archives at Fort Worth.

● Education and Outreach

The Oklahoma Historical Society offers a range of educational programs and outreach activities designed to promote the study and appreciation of Oklahoma history. The society's education programs include workshops, lectures, and field trips for students and teachers, as well as online resources and curriculum materials. The society also offers outreach programs, such as the Oklahoma History Day competition, which encourages students to develop their research and critical thinking skills through the study of Oklahoma history. Other educational institutions and organizations in Oklahoma include the Oklahoma Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and the Tulsa City-County Library. The society works closely with these organizations to develop and implement its educational programs, and to promote the study and appreciation of Oklahoma history. Category:Historical societies