Since its founding in 1964, the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society has been guided by dedicated community leaders committed to preserving the history of Southwest Oklahoma. Our Board of Directors and elected officers provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure that the Society continues to document, preserve, and share the region’s Indigenous heritage, pioneer history, military legacy, and community traditions.
Board members volunteer their time and expertise to support research initiatives, publications such as Prairie Lore, public programming, and historical preservation efforts throughout Comanche County and surrounding communities.
Your support is essential to our mission of preserving and sharing the history of Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society. By making a donation today, you can help us continue to collect, document, and exhibit artifacts and information that showcase the lives and stories of the people who have lived here over the centuries.

Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Society. Oversees meetings, represents the organization publicly, and ensures alignment with preservation goals.

Assists the President and supports program development, event coordination, and community outreach initiatives.

Maintains official records of meetings, documents proceedings, and preserves historical administrative documentation.

Oversees financial stewardship, budgeting, and reporting. Provides transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters.

Manages official communications, correspondence, and outreach related to Society activities and partnerships.

Coordinates membership records, renewals, and engagement efforts to strengthen the Society’s community presence.
The Board of Directors represents a cross-section of historians, educators, researchers, and community leaders who are dedicated to preserving Southwest Oklahoma history.
Board members provide governance oversight, support strategic initiatives, and help ensure that the Society’s mission remains consistent with its founding principles.




The Editor and Editorial Committee oversee the publication of Prairie Lore, the official journal of the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society. They review submissions, verify historical accuracy, and guide content to ensure the preservation of reliable and well-documented regional history.
Through their work, the committee helps maintain the integrity of the Society’s publications and supports the ongoing documentation of Southwest Oklahoma’s people, communities, and heritage.

Frosty Freeze




The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society honors Emeritus Board Members who have provided distinguished service and long-standing contributions to the preservation of regional history.
Emeritus members reflect decades of commitment to documenting pioneer records, Indigenous heritage, military history, and community development across Southwest Oklahoma.
Their legacy continues to influence the Society’s work and mission.
John Paynter
The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society operates as a community-focused historical organization committed to transparency, preservation, and educational outreach. Through elected officers and board oversight, the Society ensures responsible stewardship of archives, publications, and historical programming.
Active leadership ensures that the documented history of Southwest Oklahoma remains accessible, accurate, and protected for future generations.
Board leadership supports:
• Monthly meetings and programming
• Publication of Prairie Lore
• Archival preservation initiatives
• Community events and partnerships
• Genealogy and research support
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