Vertical Files
To search the vertical files enter a topic, name, or keyword.
Search Topical Files
Search Biographical Files
Order Copies
To order copies of information found in vertical files, please use the printable order form.
About Topical and Biographical Files
The Research Center has more than 10,000 vertical files on a variety of subjects. As a general rule, vertical files do not hold original documents, but rather photocopies or secondary sources such as newspaper clippings.
Vertical files may contain information in a variety of formats including:
- personal correspondence
- Works Progress Administration articles on places in Oklahoma
- research notes
- biographical information
- compiled family histories
- reproductions of records
- newspaper clippings
- magazine articles
- brochures, flyers, and pamphlets
- promotional materials
The biographical vertical files offer information about individuals and families with Oklahoma connections. Files pertaining to a family are listed in the index under the family name—these may include brief, unbound, family histories donated by patrons. A special section has a file for each of Oklahoma’s governors from territorial times to statehood. Other biographical files include information on Oklahoma artists, authors, politicians, and other notable individuals.
Accessing Vertical Files
When visiting the Research Center, you can request the file and the staff will retrieve it for you. You may make photocopies from materials found in the folder. Patrons may also order copies of materials from vertical files.
