1921 Graves Scanning Schedule Update

10/15/2019

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation continues this week in Tulsa. Three sites were originally identified for initial scanning based on data and historian reports from the 2001 State Commissioned Report of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Shortly after Mayor G.T. Bynum announced the reexamination of the potential of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre graves, three goals were established around the reexamination, including: public oversight, historical context and the physical evidence investigation.

The State of Oklahoma Archaeological Survey (OAS) based at the University of Oklahoma is leading the physical evidence investigation with ground penetrating radar and scanning equipment. The public is invited to view the entire scanning process of the 1921 graves search. The OAS schedule is as follows:

***Updated Schedule***:

• Wed., Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The OAS team will start at Newblock Park, 1710 Charles Page Blvd., in the morning then move back to Oaklawn Cemetery, 1133 E. 11^th St., for the remainder of the afternoon.
• Thurs., Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The OAS team plans to complete the scanning at Oaklawn Cemetery, 1133 E. 11^th St.
• To be announced – Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The City and OAS are coordinating the logistics and schedule for the Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the coming weeks.

The results from the scanning phase are expected to be complete and presented to the Public Oversight Committee in December 2019 or January 2020.

Oral history and stories from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre have been passed down from generation to generation. If you have information or a story to share that will help with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves investigation or want more information on the investigation process, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves. A phone line has also been setup by the Greenwood Cultural Center, (918) 596-1024.