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

Preserving Southwest Oklahoma’s Historical Record

Since 1964, the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society has worked to preserve the documented history of Southwest Oklahoma, including Indigenous heritage, pioneer settlement, military history, and community development.


Historical preservation includes more than artifacts. It involves safeguarding documents, publications, photographs, oral histories, and public records that collectively tell the story of Comanche County and surrounding communities.


Our preservation efforts ensure that regional history remains accurate, accessible, and protected for future generations.

Core Preservation Initiatives

Archival Preservation

Community Historical Documentation

Publication of Prairie Lore

 The Society supports the preservation of printed materials, historical documents, photographs, and research publications. Protecting fragile records from deterioration is essential to long-term historical access. 

Publication of Prairie Lore

Community Historical Documentation

Publication of Prairie Lore

 Since its founding, the Society has published Prairie Lore, documenting pioneer biographies, military accounts, Indigenous history, and community narratives across Southwest Oklahoma. 

Community Historical Documentation

Community Historical Documentation

Research Support & Genealogy Guidance

 Through meetings and community engagement, the Society documents local stories, historical milestones, and family records that might otherwise be lost. 

Research Support & Genealogy Guidance

Research Support & Genealogy Guidance

Research Support & Genealogy Guidance

 By directing researchers to relevant archives and resources, the Society helps ensure accurate family history documentation and regional research. 

Research Support & Genealogy Guidance

Explore Research Resources

Future Preservation Projects

The Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society continues to explore opportunities for expanded preserv

• Digitization of Prairie Lore archives
• Historical photograph scanning initiatives
• Oral history recording projects
• County cemetery documentation
• Military history documentation related to Fort Sill
• Archival indexing of regional records


As community support grows, these initiatives will strengthen public access to Southwest Oklahoma’s documented history.

Why Preservation Matters in Southwest Oklahoma

 Southwest Oklahoma’s history spans Indigenous nations, frontier settlement, cattle drives, agricultural development, and military influence. Without intentional preservation, fragile records can deteriorate or disappear. 

Preservation protects:

• Pioneer land records
• Tribal cultural documentation
• Military service histories
• Community newspapers
• Cemetery records
• Family archives

Responsible stewardship ensures that future historians, students, and genealogists can access reliable documentation.

Learn About Historical Context

How You Can Contribute to Preservation

Historical preservation is a community responsibility. You can help by:

• Donating historical materials
• Sharing family records or photographs
• Volunteering at events
• Supporting publication efforts
• Becoming a member
• Sponsoring digitization projects

Every contribution strengthens the historical record of Southwest Oklahoma.

Become a Member

Community & Institutional Partnerships

Preservation is most effective through collaboration. The Society supports cooperation with:

• Libraries
• Museums
• Tribal organizations
• Educational institutions
• Veterans groups
• Genealogy societies


Partnerships expand research access and strengthen regional historical awareness.

Partner With Us

Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society

Copyright © 2026 Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society - All Rights Reserved. Design by AWMSP

Powered by Significance

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept