Press Release
February 5, 2025
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
jessica.brogdon@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/historycenter
Nicole Harvey Named Next Director of Oklahoma History Center Museum
OKLAHOMA CITY — Nicole Harvey, a longtime employee of the Oklahoma Historical Society, has been named the next director of the Oklahoma History Center Museum. She has a proven record of strategic leadership, collaboration and innovation.
“Nicole took over as interim director of the museum in October. Since then, she has performed exceedingly well in the role. She has built strong relationships with the museum staff, opened a new sports exhibit, worked to plan new future exhibits and strengthened the relationship between the museum and the other departments within the OHS as well as our outside stakeholders,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “Nicole is a strategic thinker who has been dedicated to the OHS for the past 13 years, and I know she will continue the tradition of excellence the Oklahoma History Center Museum is known for.”
In her tenure as grants administrator and later as director of strategic initiatives at the OHS, Harvey successfully oversaw the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, which funded more than 200 local historical projects with a total of $2 million in awards. She also provided project-focused support for OHS’s executive leadership, guiding agency-wide planning efforts and developing key strategies that foster accountability and teamwork.
Prior to working with the grant program and strategic initiatives, Harvey served as executive assistant to the agency’s then-executive director, Dr. Bob Blackburn. During this time, she co-curated a major exhibit and provided research, curatorial assistance and logistical support for others. She also helped launch immersive public programming — including the annual “A Night in the Life” Gala — broadening community engagement with the organization’s mission.
Harvey is a lifelong Oklahoman who grew up in Oklahoma City. She earned her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma City University and her master’s degree from the University of York (UK). With her deep roots in the state and extensive experience at the OHS, she is poised to guide the Oklahoma History Center Museum into its next exciting chapter.
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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