Oklahoma Historical Society

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of  Oklahoma and its people. 

Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums and historic sites across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs, and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of our state.

Sharing Our Heritage

Each year, we offer more than 300 events across the state, including classes and workshops, living history performances, festivals, reenactments, film screenings, tours, book talks, and more. We strive to reach students and support educators with programs in the classroom, traveling trunks and exhibits, field trips, and Oklahoma National History Day.

Delve into the past with our quarterly scholarly journal The Chronicles of Oklahoma, more than 2,600 entries available online in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, and monthly episodes of A Very OK Podcast.

Researching the Past

The Research Center preserves and shares archival collections, including photographs, maps, oral histories, film and video, Native American records, and the state's largest collection of Oklahoma newspapers. 

View thousands of items online on The Gateway to Oklahoma History at gateway.okhistory.org.

Museums, Historic Homes, Forts, and Battlefields

Our history comes to life at OHS museums, historic homes, military sites, and affiliates across Oklahoma. Visit more than twenty sites and step into homes of prominent citizens, the Wild West, Route 66, prehistoric peoples, forts, and battlefields. Find your destination for Oklahoma history today.

The Oklahoma History Center is a 215,000-square-foot learning center exploring Native culture, pioneers, aviation, diversity, and commerce. It is also the headquarters of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 

Historic Preservation

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office works with citizens and groups throughout the state to identify, evaluate, and protect Oklahoma’s diverse range of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources. Preservation programs include the National Register of Historic Places, Section 106, Tax Credits, and the Oklahoma Centennial Farm & Ranch Program. Find out more about the State Historic Preservation Office.