Since 2020, the Center has developed a reputation for fearless, uncompromised reporting and exhibitions that focus on the hidden, neglected and misunderstood history of Tulsa. Our goal is to create a community platform both in-person and online to tell stories that matter. We want to give a home, and an audience, to the content that might not fit a conventional model.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES CFPS DO?
Founded in 2008 by “History Recovery Specialist” Lee Roy Chapman, The Center for Public Secrets is a collection of research, journalism, and artifacts that explore the sub-popular culture of Oklahoma. Following Lee Roy's death in 2015, a group of friends and family, formed the non-profit organization that exists today. The Center officially opened at 573 S Peoria Ave. in Tulsa in 2020.
WHO IS INVOLVED AND HOW DID IT GET STARTED?
If you have a story you would like to submit, head over to the Contribute page to access the submissions form. We also have a Patreon page where Supporters get early access to stories, event registration, and more. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, so all donations on our Donate page are tax-deductible. Lastly, we are always in need of volunteers for events and special projects. If you are interested in joining our team as a volunteer, send an email to info@centerforpublicsecrets.org.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
GET INVOLVED
AND STAY INFORMED
The best way to stay up-to-date with everything happening at the Center is to become a Patreon Supporter! For just $5 per month, you'll get first-look access to new stories, podcast episodes and updates, along with guaranteed event access, limited-edition merchandise and more!
Were they the Oversight
Committee or the
out-of-sight committee?
“OAKLAWN” tells the story behind the public meetings and comments about the investigation into the search of the unmarked graves stemming from the Race Massacre. It highlights the bureaucratic hurdles through the knowledge and experiences of descendants and members of the Public Oversight Committee.
FEATURED PROJECT
OAKLAWN
"OAKLAWN" is a feature-length documentary film that tells the story behind the public meetings and comments about the investigation into the search of the unmarked graves stemming from the Race Massacre. It highlights the bureaucratic hurdles through the knowledge and experiences of descendants and members of the Public Oversight Committee.
The Public Oversight Committee was created as part of the City of Tulsa’s 1921 Graves Investigation to ensure transparency and accountability, according to city officials. The committee was made up largely of descendants of the massacre and leaders within Tulsa’s Black community.
RENT-A-CENTER
Support the Center by renting our 1,200 square foot multi-purpose event space located at the corner of 6th & Peoria Ave in Tulsa. Great for meetings, small events, art shows, pop-up retail, and more. Plus,100% of proceeds go to the Center's programming, content, and outreach efforts in the Tulsa community.
RENT-A-CENTER
Support the Center by renting our 1,200 square foot multi-purpose event space located at the corner of 6th & Peoria Ave in Tulsa. Great for meetings, small events, art shows, pop-up retail, and more. Plus,100% of proceeds go to the Center's programming, content, and outreach efforts in the Tulsa community.
COMMUNITY STORYTELLING
Explore the hidden and neglected history of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and beyond through articles, images, podcasts and videos from a diverse array of voices.
By Steve Gerkin
THE DONS OF TULSA'S
KLU KLUX KLAN
A look into the Tulsa lawyers and businessmen that made the Klan in Tulsa an official organization in the aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre.
By Colleen McCarty
THE CASE FOR APRIL
WILKENS' LIFE
Domestic violence survivor April Wilkins is serving life in prison in Oklahoma, despite maintaining her innocence and compelling evidence.
By Randy Hopkins
THE NOTORIOUS
SARAH PAGE
Most of Sarah Page’s legend is untrue. Fortunately, it is now possible to meet the real person at the center of Tulsa’s race war.