About Us
The Oklahoma State Archives and ODL's Records Management Service combined have accessioned and processed more than 65,000 cubic feet of records reflecting approximately 5,000 series. These materials include records of most state agencies and constitutional officers, vividly reflecting the history of Oklahoma State government. Visit our website to learn more.
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About Us
Overview
The Oklahoma State Archives is part of The Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The state archive preserves the permanent records of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of Oklahoma state government. From territorial days forward, subject matter touches a wide variety of political, economic, social and worldly issues. For the researcher it is an opportunity to examine primary administrative materials and acquire knowledge regarding the trials and triumphs of Oklahoma State government.
The Oklahoma State Archives hold the U.S. District Land Office Homestead Registers, 1889-1908, for Oklahoma Territory. They include a legal description of tract sold, number of acres, fees paid, name of purchaser, date of purchase, residence, receipt numbers, and patent number (final certificate) and date of issue. (Information needed: legal description—section, township and range—or county location). Other land records include various types of surveyors’ land records; corner remonumentation records, surveyors’ field notes and plats, and aerial photographs.
The State Archives also contain official papers of the territorial governors, and since statehood the papers of Governor Charles N. Haskell (1907-1911) to Governor Brad Henry (2003-2011 ); records from the Territorial Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court of Appeals for Indian Territory, State Supreme Court Civil and Criminal, and State Court of Criminal Appeals; State Election Board records, including election returns, minutes, correspondence, candidate filings, poll books, legislative and congressional district maps, expense affidavits, and contested election files, and the records of the Oklahoma state constitutional convention, including biographical material, proceedings and debates, and committee reports.
Accessing
Materials digitized from Oklahoma State Archives Collections are available for searching online by visiting the Oklahoma Digital Prairie
The state archives has resumed in-person research hours by appointment, finding aids and more information about how to visit the archive are on our website.
A resource guide for genealogy research using government records and a guide to remote services for the public are also helpful sites.
Contact Us
Allen Wright Memorial Library, Oklahoma State Archives
200 NE 18 Street Oklahoma Cicty 73105-3298
archives@libraries.ok.gov
Service hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.