Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

Southwestern Oklahoma Historical SocietySouthwestern Oklahoma Historical SocietySouthwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

Southwestern Oklahoma Historical SocietySouthwestern Oklahoma Historical SocietySouthwestern Oklahoma Historical Society
  • Home
  • About
  • Prairie Lore
  • Historical Context
  • Preservation & Projects
  • People & Culture
  • Research & Genealogy
  • Resources
  • Board
  • Events & Meetings
  • Membership & Support
  • Contact
  • SWOK Counties
    • County Hub
    • 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
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Prairie Lore
    • Historical Context
    • Preservation & Projects
    • People & Culture
    • Research & Genealogy
    • Resources
    • Board
    • Events & Meetings
    • Membership & Support
    • Contact
    • SWOK Counties
      • County Hub
      • 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

  • Home
  • About
  • Prairie Lore
  • Historical Context
  • Preservation & Projects
  • People & Culture
  • Research & Genealogy
  • Resources
  • Board
  • Events & Meetings
  • Membership & Support
  • Contact
  • SWOK Counties
    • County Hub
    • 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

Board of Directors & Leadership

Leadership of the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

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.

Support Our Mission

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.

Donate Now

Officers

President

Recording Secretary

Vice-President

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

Vice-President

Recording Secretary

Vice-President

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

Recording Secretary

Recording Secretary

Recording Secretary

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

Treasurer

Corresponding Secretary

Recording Secretary

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

Corresponding Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

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

Membership Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

 Coordinates membership records, renewals, and engagement efforts to strengthen the Society’s community presence. 

Board of Directors

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.

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Editor & Editorial Committee

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.

Cover Design

Frosty Freeze

Editor

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Editorial Committee

Emeritus Board Members

Emeritus Board Members

Emeritus Board Members

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.

Emeritus Board Members

Emeritus Board Members

Emeritus Board Members

John Paynter

 

Bill Shwen

 

Barbara Morris Goodin

 

Helen Deister Bolt

 

Jo Pahdoco Vickers

Governance & Stewardship

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

Support Our Work

Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

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