Oral History Collections
Oral History Collections include more than 7,500 recorded interviews on a wide range of Oklahoma's history. The earliest recordings are from late 1930s radio programs interviews. Most of the collection dates from about 1965 to the present. Searches may be made by subject or person. Interviews range from one hour to eight hours. The average interview is between one and two hours.
Researchers can use the online catalog to search for oral histories by interviewee, or use the links below to browse oral histories by subject. For information about ordering oral history materials, see orders and fees.
For information on conducting your own oral history interviews, see Celebrating Oklahoma's Centennial with Oral History Projects or the Oral History Guide with information about fieldwork and equipment.
(Pictured above, from the left; Quintus Herron, timber industry pioneer, art collector and philanthropist, Josephine Joskulowski, an Oklahoman of Ukrainian heritage, Spiz Hoffman, survived sinking of his USN ship during WWII, Presley Byington, Forester, Choctaw, and flute maker, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Muskogee born jazz fiddler and guitar player and Merline Lovelace, Col., USAF (ret.), romance and mystery writer.)
Topical Index of Oral Histories
Oklahoma City Bombing
Oklahoma Constitutional Convention
Oklahoma Politics and Politicians
Wild West Shows
Wiley Post
Will Rogers
1918 Flu Epidemic
Cities and Towns
Civil Rights
The Great Depression in Oklahoma
Immigrants
Ku Klux Klan
Leisure Time in Oklahoma
Military History
Contact the Oral History Archives
Questions regarding access to oral histories should be directed to:
Judith Michener, Oral History Collections Manager
405.522.0689
For research assistance contact:
Rodger Harris, Oral Historian
405.522.5207