About the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

The purpose for which the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society was organized on April 20, 1964, was to preserve and promote the history of the pioneers and Indians of Southwest Oklahoma. Established in Comanche County, the Society was founded by community members committed to safeguarding pioneer records, Native American heritage, and regional historical research for future generations.

For more than six decades, the South Western Oklahoma Historical Society has served as a steward of Southwest Oklahoma history, preserving records from Comanche County, Kiowa County, Caddo County, Jackson County, Greer County, and surrounding communities. Through archival preservation, historical publication, and educational outreach, the Society ensures that the stories of the region remain accessible, accurate, and responsibly documented.

Our mission remains consistent: to collect, preserve, publish, and share the history of Southwestern Oklahoma.

 Learn more about how our mission shapes the historical research and preservation efforts we undertake across Southwest Oklahoma. 

Southwestern Oklahoma is a region shaped by Indigenous nations, frontier settlement, cattle trails, military development, agriculture, and civic leadership. The Society works to preserve historical materials that reflect this diverse foundation, including:

• Pioneer family records and land documentation
• Oral histories and community narratives
• Photographs of early towns, ranches, and schools
• Military history related to Fort Sill and regional installations
• Genealogical research materials
• Regional newspapers and archival publications

By safeguarding these records, SWOKHS supports historians, educators, genealogists, students, and families researching Southwest Oklahoma family history and pioneer ancestry.

The Society also plays a role in documenting contemporary history to ensure that today’s events become tomorrow’s preserved records.

 These preserved materials are accessible through our research collections and historical publications. 

Since its founding year, the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society has published Prairie Lore, a respected regional historical journal dedicated to documenting the heritage of Southwest Oklahoma.

Prairie Lore includes scholarly research, pioneer accounts, Native American history, genealogical studies, community narratives, and archival discoveries. The publication serves as a valuable resource for researchers studying Comanche County history, early Oklahoma settlement, tribal heritage, and regional development.

Through Prairie Lore, the Society continues its commitment to preserving accurate and well-documented historical scholarship for future generations.

 Explore current and past issues of Prairie Lore and access documented regional research. 

The history of Southwestern Oklahoma begins long before statehood. Indigenous nations, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, and Wichita peoples, have deep cultural and historical ties to this region.

The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society is committed to respectfully preserving Indigenous history alongside pioneer settlement records, ranching culture, territorial development, and early civic growth. By presenting a balanced and documented historical record, the Society seeks to honor the complexity and diversity of Southwest Oklahoma’s heritage.

Preservation efforts are conducted with attention to historical accuracy, responsible documentation, and recognition of cultural significance.

 Discover the cultural history and foundational communities that shaped Southwest Oklahoma. 

The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society operates as a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to public engagement. The Society hosts meetings, historical presentations, and community events that encourage participation in preserving local history.

Through collaboration with regional historians, educators, tribal historians, and civic leaders, SWOKHS promotes historical awareness across Southwest Oklahoma.

Membership in the Society supports:

• Archival preservation and digitization
• Publication of Prairie Lore
• Educational programming
• Community outreach initiatives
• Research and genealogical support

By participating in SWOKHS, members actively contribute to the preservation of Southwest Oklahoma history.

 View upcoming meetings, educational presentations, and public events. 

The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society is governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to advancing its mission and ensuring responsible stewardship of historical materials. As a nonprofit organization established in 1964, SWOKHS operates through member support, volunteer contributions, and community partnerships.

Transparency, historical integrity, and long-term preservation remain central to the Society’s leadership and operational philosophy.

 Meet the leadership guiding the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society. 

Headquartered in Southwest Oklahoma, the Society serves communities across:

• Beckham County
• Caddo County
• Comanche County
• Cotton County
• Grady County
• Greer County
• Harmon County
• Jackson County
• Jefferson County
• Kiowa County
• Stephens County
• Tillman County
• Washita County

By focusing on regional documentation, The South Western Oklahoma Historical Society provides localized historical resources not typically available through statewide institutions alone.

Researchers seeking Southwest Oklahoma genealogy, pioneer records, military history, and tribal documentation will find the Society’s materials uniquely valuable.

 Support the preservation of local history across these communities.