Link To This Page — Contact Us —
State of Oklahoma
Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources
Methods for Oklahoma Genealogy Research
One of the most unique states has to be Oklahoma simply because it contains such a wide array of cultures. Equal parts farming and prairie as well as highlands and mountains, it has witnessed a lot of growth, immigration, and different periods of history. This is why people in search of their Native American, agricultural, or even military heritage will do a search for Oklahoma genealogy information.
Searching for Oklahoma Genealogy Data
Because most people head to their computer to do research, a lot of archives and libraries have ensured that access is available to their materials through the Internet. While it is a very effective way of allowing the most people to do their research, it is not yet something available with all resources; though most websites will identify the contents of their collections.
This means that it is necessary to spend time learning which resources for Oklahoma genealogy will be primarily online tools, and which require some sort of trip in order to retrieve the genealogy materials.
Resources for Oklahoma Genealogy Materials
Most state research tends to begin with public records, and these are usually divided into three categories. You should know the differences as you begin looking for Oklahoma genealogy materials. These categories are:
- Local Records – state research will normally start at a county clerk's office or website, and will then head on to the small local libraries, historical societies, local genealogical societies, and school or college libraries for Oklahoma genealogy materials. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
- Vital Records – these cover the birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. They can also include immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, census records, newspaper items, military records, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Oklahoma genealogy.
- State Records – from probate information to private manuscripts, surname lists, newspapers, state census information, marriage details, military or veterans information, land records, maps, estate information, genealogical folders, death records, deeds, birth certificates, cemetery information and more; these are available as online and offline resources for Oklahoma genealogy.
Modern Tools for Oklahoma Genealogy Information
Where can you begin to find these records? Below is a list of the primary online resources for information for Oklahoma genealogy:
- Vital Records Service, State Department of Health, 1000 Northeast 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/oklahoma.htm. This is the location or website in which anyone can order birth, death, marriage and divorce records via a written request or even through an online form.
Additional state and local records can be found at the:
- Oklahoma State Archives, State Records Center, 426 East Hill Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3298
All other collections and services are housed in the
- Allen Wright Memorial Library, 200 N.E. 18th Street., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3298; Website: http://www.odl.state.ok.us/oar/resources/genealogy.htm.
Also, consider using the resources in the Oklahoma Genealogical Society website at: http://www.okgensoc.org/.
The three websites below will give researchers a large amount of state-specific details for those in search for Oklahoma genealogy data.
- The USGenWeb Project - http://okgenweb.org/ AND Oklahoma Indian Territory information is at: http://www.okgenweb.org/~itgenweb/;
- State census records at Genealogy Research Guides - http://www.researchguides.net/census/state.htm; and
- Genealogy Today - http://www.genealogytoday.com/genealogy/states/oklahoma.html
- Oklahoma Genealogy Network - http://www.facebook.com/groups/121198844634071
List of Oklahoma Counties
Select a county from the table below to to view more information on genealogical information & records pertaining to each county.
