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Oklahoma History

Interested in exploring Oklahoma’s storied history?

Metropolitan Library System has curated numerous Oklahoma resources, so you’re bound to strike information gold. Our Special Collections department maintains the Oklahoma Collection which is located in the Oklahoma Room on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Library. The collection contains books about Oklahoma and Oklahomans, or those written by Oklahomans, as well as maps, photos and other documents useful to the understanding of Oklahoma history. 

Don’t forget to check out our newly reformatted Digital Special Collection for Oklahoma-related content that is only available at Metro.

Events

Paranormal Fest: Urban Legends

October 28, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Downtown Library
Library Branch: Downtown Library
Room: Classroom EF (Downtown)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Cultural Experiences, DIY & Hobbies
Event Description:
Join Jeff Provine, author of the Haunted Oklahoma book series, for tales of local hauntings and urban legends! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Be Advised:  This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.

By Attending, you consent:  To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.

For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer

Chilocco: A Native American Indian Boarding School Documentary

November 5, 2023
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Del City Library
Registration
Library Branch: Del City Library
Room: Meeting Room AB (Del City)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Continuing Education, Cultural Experiences, Film & Movies
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Description:
Between 1869 and the 1960s, Native American children were removed from their homes and families and placed in boarding schools operated by the federal government and churches. The number of children taken is unknown. By 1900 there were 20,000 childre...

Disclaimer(s)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program. 

Native American Month Through Film

November 30, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Belle Isle Library
Library Branch: Belle Isle Library
Room: Meeting Room B (Belle Isle)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Film & Movies
Event Description:
November is National Native American Heritage Month. Join us at Belle Isle Library  for a double-feature of episodes from the award winning OETA documentary series, Back in Time, that showcases significant people, situations, eras, and events th...
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Databases

A B C E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W

A to Z Maps Online

Provides access to over 100,000 various types of maps for the U.S., world countries and continents. A to Z Maps Online contains a large number of specialized maps like antique maps, bathymetric and fishing maps, climate change maps, environmental maps, geography and geology maps, Holy Land maps, tree and bird distribution maps, and more. It also contains flags from world countries and international organizations.

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A to Z the USA

This database contains state, county and city information for all U.S. states and territories. It lists facts and statistics about arts and culture, climate and weather, demographics, flags and seals, government and politics, history, maps, photos, and more.

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A to Z World Travel

Contains travel guides for over 200 world cities. Each guide contains helpful information about a particular city's food and restaurants, climate and weather, embassies/consulates, health and medical services, travel essentials, money and banking, electrical and telecommunication requirements, and more.

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Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

An educational tool intended to teach K-12 students about our nation’s Federal government, history and political structure. Provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 

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OK2Explore

Ok2Explore is a free searchable index of births and deaths that occurred in the state of Oklahoma. Included is limited information on births occurring more than 20 years ago and deaths occurring more than 5 years ago. You may search the index using any combination of the subject’s name, date of event (birth or death), county of event, and sex.

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Oklahoma Newspapers

Provides full-text access to dozens of newspapers across Oklahoma. Includes full-text and image editions of The Oklahoman and Tulsa World, including today’s full-color, digital edition of The Oklahoman.

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Collections

Logo of Metro Library Podcast

Metro Library Podcast

Offering Oklahoma-themed podcasts celebrating Oklahoma arts, culture and history as well as the lives of influential Oklahomans today, the Metro Library Podcast is produced by the Special Collections of the Metropolitan Library System.

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podcast icon

We Will Always Remember Podcast

The Oklahoma City Bombing. Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. April 19, 1995. Authoritative. Unforgettable! Hear gripping, intimate details from first responders, law enforcement, state and federal officials, family, friends and survivors of the deadliest bombing in the United States by a US citizen.

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