Press Release
May 12, 2020
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Oklahoma Historical Society Asks Oklahomans to Share Their COVID-19 Stories
OKLAHOMA CITY — For more than 125 years, the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has worked to collect, preserve and share our history. Just as the OHS has chronicled World War I, the influenza outbreaks in 1918 and 1919, the Great Depression and Okie migration of the 1930s and 1940s, World War II, the 1980s oil bust and other momentous events, we are dedicated to documenting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we ask for your help in saving our history during this extraordinary time.
The OHS is dedicated to preserving the history of Oklahomans from all communities, backgrounds and walks of life. “We invite fellow Oklahomans to share their stories,” said OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn. “Firsthand accounts are invaluable to the historical record. By sharing your personal experiences, you can help future generations understand this chapter in our history.” To share your story, please visit www.okhistory.org/covidstories.
The OHS is also collecting materials that commemorate the moment, such as photographs, journals, documents, posters, work schedules, distance learning curricula, signs and other items related to the pandemic. If you are interested in donating an item, please contact Mallory Covington, archival collections manager, at 405-522-0876 or mcovington@okhistory.org. Donations and stories will be archived by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and may be included in future exhibits and shared online.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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