Friends of the Archives

The Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives was organized in January 1996 as a non-profit educational corporation with the sole purpose of promoting the preservation of the history of Oklahoma as related to collections appropriate to the archives. This purpose will be achieved through the assistance of volunteers, the sponsorship of educational programs, promotional campaigns, special publications and fund-raising activities. Membership is open to all persons, corporations, institutions and organizations interested in the Research Division Oklahoma Historical Society.

The Oklahoma Historical Society Archives

An Act of Congress granted custody of the extant records of the Five Civilized Tribes to the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1934. Within the next decade, over 3.5 million documents and some 6000 volumes were collected from all the major Indian agencies in Oklahoma except the Osage Tribe. This collection, the centerpiece of the Archives, is nationally known as a rich resource of tribal history and culture.

In 1982, the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors expanded the Indian Archives' responsibilities by transferring control of the Photographs, Manuscripts, Newspapers and Oral History collections to the new Archives and Manuscript Division. These collections reflect the ever-changing panorama of Oklahoma history. The Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives, with support through your membership and gifts, will help to expand the Research Division collections, strengthen its resources and enhance its facilities.

To join the Friends of the Archives, complete the membership application
and mail to:
The Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives
Post Office Box 18781
Oklahoma city OK 73154-0781