March 27, 2028
SWOSU Press Release
The Al Harris Library at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford was awarded an Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
SWOSU received $19,557 for a project titled “Digitization of Special Collections,” where nearly 200 analog media assets were digitized from the Thomas P. Stafford, SWOSU Music Department, SWOSU Athletics, and University History Collections. This project not only digitally preserves information, but it provides public access to images and recordings not publicly viewed in decades. The completion of this project is part of the long-term goals associated with General Thomas P. Stafford Archives, digitizing all analog media held within these collections.
These digital copies have been placed on the university’s repository, SWOSU Digital Commons, which are viewable at the following URLs:
Audio recordings, Stafford Collection – https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_aud/
Video recordings, Stafford Collection – https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_videos/
Slides (Images), Stafford Collection – https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_slides/
Video recordings, University History Collection – https://dc.swosu.edu/staf_videos/
Video recordings, SWOSU Athletics – https://dc.swosu.edu/ath_media/
“This project will not only digitally preserve information from analog assets documenting the university’s history, but it will provide public access to images and sounds recorded nearly 50 years ago from the Gemini Missions under the command of General Thomas P. Stafford,” said Jason Dupree, director of libraries at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
About the Oklahoma Historical Society
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
Route 66 Fest Returns to Elk City for Father's Day Weekend Fun
Elk City, OK — The Route 66 Fest is rolling back into Elk City for a weekend packed with entertainment, food, and community celebration just in time for Father’s Day. Hosted at Ackley Park on Friday and
Western Oklahoma Rt 66 Cruise Rolls Through the Heart of Route 66 Communities
Western Oklahoma’s rich stretch of Route 66 will come alive again this summer with the annual Western Oklahoma Rt 66 Cruise, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 13–14. The cruise kicks off Friday morning at 8 a.m.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to Host Book Signing With Authors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham
Oklahoma Historical Society Press Release Clinton, OK — On Saturday, June 28, from 1-4 p.m., the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will host a special signing for the new book “Route 66 – The First 100 Years” with
Fatal Crash Claims Life of El Reno Teen Near Lookeba
Caddo Co., OK – A fatal single-vehicle collision claimed the life of a 17-year-old El Reno male early Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, in Caddo County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:57
Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Propositions in Cheyenne and Clinton
Voters in both Cheyenne and Clinton turned out Tuesday, June 10, for special elections—and delivered decisive results in favor of two local propositions. Cheyenne Approves PSO Franchise Ordinance In Cheyenne, residents voted 36 to 3 in favor
SoonerCare and SNAP Enrollment Event Coming to Elk City
Elk City, OK — Red Rock Behavioral Health Services is hosting a special outreach event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at their Elk City Outpatient Office, located at 3080 W. 3rd
Rep. Anthony Moore Reflects on “Strong, Productive” Legislative Session
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), who served as Speaker Pro Tempore during the First Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, called the session “phenomenal,” despite a hectic finish. “We ended with a bit of
ODOT Celebrates Safety Success with District 5 in the Spotlight
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) held its June Transportation Commission meeting on June 4, 2025, honoring the commitment of its crews to workplace safety. ODOT Executive Director Tim?Gatz and Assistant Director of
Clinton Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase Through Residential Streets
Clinton, OK — A Clinton man is facing multiple charges after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase through residential areas in the early morning hours of May 31, 2025. According to a probable cause affidavit filed
The Time Kramer was Jailed in Cordell
By Landry Brewer Cordell, OK – Washita County Undersheriff Rusty Cannon and his wife, Carol, met a famous actor at the sheriff’s office a decade and a half ago. The celebrity was in Cordell then because of
William Morris and Gail Williams Make Generous Gift to Support Future Educators at SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce a significant gift from William (Bill) Morris, a 1974 alumnus of the university, and his wife, Gail, both of Wichita, Kansas. This
Voters Head to the Polls Tuesday for Special Elections in Cheyenne and Clinton
Voters in Cheyenne and Clinton will weigh in on two separate propositions during a special election on Tuesday, June 10. Cheyenne Ordinance on PSO Franchise Agreement Residents of the Town of Cheyenne will decide whether to grant
Clinton Public Schools Names Nathan Meget as Next Superintendent
Clinton, OK – Clinton Public Schools has found its next leader. Following the departure of Superintendent Tyler Bridges, the Clinton Board of Education voted Friday to name Nathan Meget as the district’s new superintendent. Meget, who currently
Escaped Inmate Back in Custody After Elk City Traffic Stop
Elk City, OK – Michael Antonio Moreno, the 30-year-old who fled custody from the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office last week, has been apprehended. According to a Wednesday night Facebook post from the Elk City Police Department, Moreno
SWOSU Announces Hodge Center Room Naming Rights & Sponsorship Opportunities
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the availability of room naming rights and sponsorship opportunities within the Jerry & Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy & Rural Health. Scheduled to open
Mitscheke Family Makes Major Gift to SWOSU Football
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable contribution from the Jim & Tanya Mitschke Family of Owasso. Mitschke is a 1964 SWOSU Alumnus who was
Election Officials Offer Voting Tips
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Roger Mills County Special Election and the City of Clinton special election. Voting officials offer these important tips to voters—especially those who will be
Man Sought After Alleged Burglary Attempt in Elk City
Elk City, OK — Authorities are searching for 37-year-old Robert Luna of Lubbock, Texas, after an alleged attempted home break-in last month in Elk City. Luna has multiple outstanding warrants in western Oklahoma, including serious felony charges
Weatherford Duo Facing Charges After Gun Threat, Stolen Firearms Recovered
Weatherford, OK – Two 19-year-old Weatherford men are facing criminal charges after a late-night disturbance led to the recovery of stolen firearms and allegations of violent threats. Court records show that Sonny Ray Allen Armstrong-Mendez and Tyler
Woodward Man Killed in Blaine County Collision on U.S. 270
Watonga, OK – A fatal crash west of Watonga claimed the life of a Woodward man early Tuesday morning, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The wreck happened around 7:04 a.m. on U.S. Highway 270, just west
Beckham County Sheriff’s Office Finalizing Budget for FY 2025-2026
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says he and his team are working hard to finalize the office’s budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. “I’ve been working very hard with my administrative assistant, Sonya Blagg,”
UPDATE: Man Still Wanted After Escaping Custody at Beckham County Sheriff’s Office
Sayre, OK – Authorities are still searching for 30-year-old Michael Moreno after he fled from custody last week in a bizarre scene that played out inside the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office. According to Sheriff Derek Manning, Moreno
Registrations Open for SWOSU Music Camps 2025
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) invites middle- and high-school musicians to register for the 70th summer of SWOSU Music Camps hosted in Weatherford. The 2025 Music Camp offerings include
SWOSU to Host Free Family STEAM Night on June 5
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Engage Learning is collaborating with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to host its first-ever Family STEAM Night on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the SWOSU Ballroom in
