A statue of Angie Debo, known as Oklahoma’s “greatest historian” and “the authority on Native-American history,” stands at the entrance of the Stillwater Public Library. Angie Debo (1890-1988) was 9 years old when the family arrived on a wagon to Oklahoma territory. She continued living in Oklahoma and dedicated her life researching and writing about Oklahoma Native Americans and how the migration to the West impacted them. In 1918, she received her BA in history from the University of Oklahoma. Her master’s from the University of Chicago in 1924, and her Ph.D. in history from the University of Oklahoma in 1933. Since 1934 she published 13 books and hundreds of articles about the history and life of Native Americans in Oklahoma and their fight for equal rights. Her books reviewed how external events (for example, in her first book, the civil war) and constraints the white people put in impacted the Native tribes. Since these were controversial subjects that many white people were not comfortable with, she sometimes had difficulties finding publishers and never had a permanent position in academic institutions. Stillwater artist Phyllis Mantik created the statue. She chose to portray Debo as a young woman since it was at this age Debo chose a life of a scholar and activist, at times when women were expected to be mothers and wives. The statue sits on a wide oval pedestal with the 38 federally recognized Oklahoma Native American tribes surrounding it. The dedication ceremony took place on Nov. 18, 2010. Attended with more than 200 guests, among them were the Oklahoma State University President, Oklahoma City University, and the Chickasaw Governor. Read more...

In 1949, after getting rejected twice, Nancy Randolph Davis made history when she became the first African-American student at Oklahoma A&M College, today Oklahoma State University. Davis was not allowed to reside on campus and during the first weeks was not allowed to sit inside the classroom, so she sat in the hallway. Only after she got the second-highest score in the first test, her white classmates convinced the teacher to allow her to sit inside. In 1952, Davis graduated with a master’s degree in home economics (now Human Sciences), continuing as a high school teacher in Oklahoma’s public system for 43 years, educating and influencing thousands of students. She was also a civil rights activist, promoting desegregation in business in Oklahoma. She passed away on March 23rd, 2015 when she is 88 years old. The famous and talented sculptress, Jane DeDecker, created the statue which depicts Davis in her graduation cap and gown from OSU. The dedication ceremony took place on January 31st, 2019, with the participation of her three children, the OSU president, OSU vice-president, and the dean of the College of Human Sciences. Other honors Davis received: OSU has three scholarships bearing her name. May 31st, 1991, was proclaimed Nancy Randolph Davis Day in Oklahoma. In 2001, OSU named a residence hall in her honor. In 2008, Oklahoma Human Rights Commission honored her with the Oklahoma Human Rights Award. In 2020 the University decided to rename the Human Sciences buildings after her. Each February, OSU celebrates Nancy Randolph Davis Day with special events commemorating her legacy. Read more...

The museum commemorates women’s contribution to the development of Oklahoma, from the 18th century to the present day. Learn about pioneer women by exploring period artifacts, memorabilia, clothing, photographs, newspaper articles, and antiques. At the Pioneer Woman Walk of Fame, one will discover the personal stories of women from all races who influenced Oklahoma’s history. At the education center, visitors can make pioneering crafts, such as quilting, knitting, and spinning. Take a few minutes to appreciate the 30 foot tall bronze statue of The Pioneer Woman, featuring a mother leading her son through dangers to settle in Oklahoma. The statue honors the brave women who made Oklahoma what it is today. Read more...