Programs and Events

Upcoming Research Events & Workshops

LDS Records & FamilySearch, Donna Waddle

August 23, 9am-12pm.
Explore the FamilySearch Family History Library Catalog and associated websites. Learn how to search databases, locate resources, organize your information, and create ancestor charts. FamilySearch is your window into the vast genealogical collections of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This program is free, but seats are limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center at 405/522-5225.

Pontotoc County Day

September 20.
Pontotoc County is full of resources that offer valuable information for researchers. Learn about the various organizations in Pontotoc County, and how to access their information. This program is free, but seats are limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center at 405/522-5225.

Hands-On History For Kids!

September 27, 9am-12pm.
Join us for family friendly crafts and activities, perfect for parents, grandparents and kids alike! This program is free, but seats are limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Oklahoma Historical Society Research Center at 405/522-5225.

Dating Old Photographs, Chester Cowen

October 1, 11:30am-1:00pm. $10, lunch included.
Pre-registration required. Chester Cowen, Photographic Archivist for the Oklahoma Historical Society, will share tips for dating photographs. Participants are welcome to bring historical family photos to the program. Seats are limited, so please register early! To register use our mail-in registration forms or call 405/522-5225 to pay by credit card.

Beginner’s Genealogy Workshop

October 11, 9:00am-4:00pm FREE.
Interested in learning about your family history? Come learn how to research your family or sharpen your research skills at the Genealogy Skill Building Workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Genealogical Society and OHS Research Division. Learn about pedigree charts and family group sheets, explore your ancestors' world with the Federal census records, discover hidden treasures in your own attic, and learn to use court houses, archives, and other public records for your family research. It is not too late to start the trip of your (or your grandparent's) lifetime!

Researching with Newspapers, Larry O’Dell

October 15, 11:30am-1:00pm. $10, lunch included.
Pre-registration required. Learn about one of the Research Center’s largest collections - newspapers. With over 4,000 titles, OHS has the oldest, largest, and most complete collection of newspapers available within the state. Seats are limited, so please register early! To register use our mail-in registration forms or call 405/522-5225 to pay by credit card.

Research Lock-In & Book Sale

October 24, 5:30pm Friday to 7:30am Saturday. $50, Dinner & Breakfast included. Pre-registration required.
It’s a full night of activities at the Research Lock-In, back by popular demand. Attend mini-sessions about family history research, various records, and collections. Special discounts and offers will be given throughout the night! Space is limited, so don’t miss you chance to participate in this exciting event. To register use our mail-in registration forms or call 405/522-5225 to pay by credit card.

Oklahoma Territorial Records

October 29, 11:30am-1:00pm. $10, lunch included.
Although much of the 1890 US Federal Census was destroyed, there are other valuable resources that may assist in your genealogical search. Learn how to find your ancestors using the 1890 Oklahoma Territorial Census, Smith’s First Directory of Oklahoma Territory, and more! Seats are limited, so please register early! To register use our mail-in registration forms or call 405/522-5225 to pay by credit card.


Available Speakers & Programs


Program TitleSpeaker
Federal Census RecordsLaura Martin
Resources in the OHS Research CenterLaura Martin
Beginning GenealogyLaura Martin
The 1890 Territorial CensusBrian Basore
Federal Land Tract Books of Oklahoma TerritoryBrian Basore
How to Conduct Oral HistoriesRodger Harris
Oklahoma FolklifeRodger Harris
Oral History CollectionsJudith Michener
or Rodger Harris
Oral History ProcessingJudith Michener
or Rodger Harris
Electronic Resources at OHSConnie Shoemaker
Little Know Federal Records for Genealogical ResearchConnie Shoemaker
The Records of the Five Civilized TribesBill Welge