Founded in 2008 by “History Recovery Specialist” Lee Roy Chapman, The Center for Public Secrets was created to shine a light on Tulsa’s hidden and neglected histories.

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A longtime student of Oklahoma history, Chapman’s work focused on race relations, art, music, and radical histories.  Chapman authored several articles that received global attention. In 2011, he published "The Nightmare of Dreamland: Tate Brady and the Battle for Greenwood" in This Land magazine, which revealed that a founder of Tulsa was also an architect of the city's

most violent hate crime — the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The article was lauded by historians such as Alfred Brophy and Scott Ellsworth and has been cited by media companies ranging from National Public Radio to The Guardian. Chapman was instrumental to the work happening today to rid the city of the Brady name on streets, businesses, and entire districts.

 


Aside from his writings, the controversial Chapman also produced documentaries and art installations that address topics ranging from Bob Wills, the New York School of Poets, the art of Larry Clark, to the Creek Freeman mass graves in South Tulsa. As a curator, Chapman also located and acquired several important historical artifacts and artworks that now reside in the Smithsonian NMHHAC, Yale, Duke, and Tulsa University Libraries, as well as private collections.

 

Through events, exhibits, and content, the Center will carry on the spirit of Chapman’s work and passion for Tulsa. We will delve into aspects of our collective history that others may dare not tread.  We will listen to the community. We will investigate to find the truth. We will elevate the voices of those who are too seldom heard. We will reveal our secrets. Join us as we embark on this journey. One towards understanding, justice, and reconciliation.
 

Let’s spread the good vibes together