Join local advocates and preservation professionals for a two-hour, practical look at Oklahoma's preservation strategy. The Preservation Symposium mixes brief presentations, archival material, and audience-driven Q&A—an efficient way to learn, connect, and act.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Low physical demand — suitable for most adults; some walking between nearby sites may occur.
Wildlife
History
Oklahoma City’s urban fabric reflects rapid growth after the 1889 Land Run and subsequent 20th-century commercial and residential development, which drives many preservation priorities today.
Conservation
Sessions emphasize low-impact interventions, reuse over demolition, and practical ways citizens can reduce waste while maintaining historic character.
Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.
Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. is an Oklahoma City-based organization focused on preserving and interpreting local architectural heritage. The organization stewards the Henry Overholser Mansion, Oklahoma City's first mansion, built in 1903, and offers public programs that open the property to residents and visitors. Preservation Oklahoma presents guided experiences that highlight the mansion's original architectural details, historical context, and the role of the Overholser family in the city's early development.
Public offerings include the Overholser Mansion Tour, which leads guests through formally preserved rooms and shares documented history of the house and its construction in 1903. For visitors seeking a different perspective, the History & Haunts program explores reported paranormal lore alongside documented historical events associated with the property. Both experiences are designed to balance historical interpretation with visitor engagement, using informed explanation and onsite artifacts to anchor each narrative.
Preservation Oklahoma partners with local stakeholders to maintain the mansion and to schedule tours and special events at the property in Oklahoma City. The organization provides scheduled public tours and occasional themed events that allow community members and visitors to experience a preserved piece of local heritage. Ticketing, schedules, and event information are published by Preservation Oklahoma through its official channels and local event listings. Visitors are encouraged to check availability before planning a visit to confirm dates and any special requirements and policies.
Location
Oklahoma City
Based in central Oklahoma
Historic Site
Overholser Mansion (1903)
City’s first mansion preserved
Tours Offered
2
Guided daytime and evening programs
Featured Program
History & Haunts
Themed evening experience
Secure tickets for guided daytime tours or the History & Haunts evening experience — limited-capacity programs that showcase Oklahoma City's preserved heritage.
Confirm the monthly meeting point
Meeting point changes each month; check the event listing and arrive 10–15 minutes early to find the room.
Bring questions and business cards
Sessions center on local challenges; having concrete questions and contact info makes networking effective.
Budget for parking
Parking availability depends on the venue; allow extra time to locate paid lots or street parking.
Plan for note-taking
Bring a notebook or device to capture funding leads, contact names, and technical references shared during Q&A.
Notebook and pen
Capture names, funding sources, and technical tips shared during presentations.
Business cards
Makes follow-up with presenters and organizers faster and more professional.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during warm months and between sessions if you explore nearby sites.
summer
Light jacket or layer
Rooms can run cool; a layer keeps you comfortable during discussions.
fall