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.
The Society supports the preservation of printed materials, historical documents, photographs, and research publications.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.
Since its founding, the Society has published Prairie Lore, documenting pioneer biographies, military accounts, Indigenous history, and community narratives across Southwest Oklahoma.
Through meetings and community engagement, the Society documents local stories, historical milestones, and family records that might otherwise be lost.
By directing researchers to relevant archives and resources, the Society helps ensure accurate family history documentation and regional research.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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