1921 Graves Scanning to Continue Next Week

10/10/2019

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation will continue next week in the city of 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. OAS started their work at Oaklawn Cemetery this week and will move to Newblock Park next week. The City and OAS are coordinating the logistics and schedule for the Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the coming weeks.

The public is invited to view the entire scanning process of the 1921 mass graves search. The OAS schedule is as follows:

• Mon., Oct. 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Oaklawn Cemetery, 1133 E. 11^th St.
• On Monday, the OAS team will complete the scanning of Oaklawn Cemetery. The City asked OAS to expand the scope of the work to add the trail area located between Oaklawn Cemetery and the IDL for scanning.
• Tues., Oct. 15 – Wed., Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Newblock Park, 1710 Charles Page Blvd.
• OAS will be located on the east side of the City’s WaterWorks Art Studio.
• To be announced – Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens Cemetery

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

Viewing Guidelines

• Cell phones and cameras should be turned off if within 300 feet of the radar and scanning equipment.  
• Photos or videos should be taken from a distance to not interfere with the radar equipment or work. 
• Avoid touching any monuments or gravestones and be courteous to walk in between headstones and not stand on top of a burial place.
• Avoid playing loud music and keep the volume of voices down. 
• Children should be accompanied with an adult and pets must be leashed.

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.