1921 Graves Public Oversight Committee Agrees to Move Forward with Further Test Excavation and Core Sampling in Oaklawn Cemetery

9/14/2020

September 14, 2020 – The Public Oversight Committee for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation met virtually on Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. to receive an update from the physical investigation committee regarding the initial test excavation and additional geophysical research conducted at the Clyde Eddy site within the Oaklawn Cemetery.

Following geophysical work in Oaklawn Cemetery, the Committee has agreed to move forward with core sampling in an anomaly on the south side of the cemetery near 11^th Street known as the Clyde Eddy site and conduct a test excavation of an anomaly in the southwest portion of the cemetery known as the Original Eighteen site. The date for this work has yet to be scheduled, but the City of Tulsa will announce the date when confirmed.

In July, archaeological crews conducted an extensive test excavation and a number of soil core samples within the Sexton area at Oaklawn Cemetery, where an anomaly was previously discovered. Following eight days of searching, their findings determined no evidence of human remains were present in the excavation area.

Multiple sites of interest remain and are still candidates for possible graves related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre including ‘The Canes’ near Newblock Park and Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens, where geophysical work is expected to occur this year.

1921 Graves Search Background

For the most up-to-date information on the search for possible graves dating to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves and follow 1921 Graves on Facebook, @1921Graves. A public shared drive, including pictures, video and drone footage, from the initial test excavation at Oaklawn Cemetery can be found on the 1921 Graves website. No courtesy is needed when using images and videos from that drive.