Oklahoma State Archives

Overview

The Oklahoma State Archives, housed within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), preserves the permanent records of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Oklahoma's state government.

History

ODL traces its origins to December 8, 1890, when the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oklahoma passed an act establishing a territorial library in Guthrie; Territorial Governor George W. Steele served as the first librarian. The library was renamed the Oklahoma Library in 1893 and became a federal publications depository the same year. The "Office of the State Librarian" was established following Oklahoma statehood in 1907, and the library moved to Oklahoma City with the state capital in 1910. The Oklahoma Library Code, passed in 1967, established ODL's current governance standards.

Collections, Holdings, and Publications

The State Archives holds manuscripts, photographs, maps, and some artifacts, primarily minutes, correspondence, annual reports, and publications ranging from the 1890s to the present, with the bulk from 1907 to 1980. Prominent collections include the Office of the Governor, Office of the Attorney General, Oklahoma State Legislature, Oklahoma Supreme Court, Oklahoma Department of Education, and Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Digitized holdings are available through the Oklahoma State Digital Archives at digitalprairie.ok.gov.

Access and Usage

The State Archives operates from a temporary service location at 2401 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room C12, Oklahoma City, with a separate Records Center at 426 East Hill Street.