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.
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.
ABOUT THE CENTER
The situation in Tulsa is of national and international relevance. Throughout Tulsa's history, there have been moments where this city serves as a crossroads to all that is America– to all that America represents, both the beautiful and the destructive. With the founding of the Center for Public Secrets, we will create a space to explore that collective history. We will be a meeting ground, where we cannot only listen and learn from what our predecessors left with us, but also from ourselves.
The Center will explore subjects of local and national importance that affect our city. Through events, exhibits, and content, the Center will delve into aspects of our collective history that others may dare not tread. We will create. We will confront it. But also, we will listen to those who have a story to tell. We don’t tell other people's stories; we will elevate the voices of those who are too seldom heard.
MISSION:
We provide Tulsans with access to the hidden and neglected history of our city through articles, events, digital content, and as a public forum for discussion, storytelling, and creativity. Our goal is to support the next generation of History Recovery Specialists in Tulsa.
VISION:
We envision a Tulsa where young people are inspired and resourced to explore our past so they can mold the future of their community. We work to create a space for place-based learning through educational workshops, presentations, and artistic expression with community-created programming that is accessible to all.
CfPS Founder, Lee Roy Chapman
"So, this is what I do. I read about this stuff, research it, and drive around and find this stuff. Some people care. Some people don’t care. It doesn’t pay. It’s, like, horrible. I’m chronically unemployed. I’m obsessed…."
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CENTER FOR PUBLIC SECRETS
+ TULSA STREET SCHOOL
During the 2024-2025 school year, high school english students from Tulsa Street School were invited to explore the world of research through an assignment that asked them to identify a social issue they cared about, dive deep into the topic, uncover the underlying challenges, and develop thoughtful solutions. Along the way, students participated in in-person workshops and experiences that introduced them to various research methods and encouraged them to think creatively and critically about the world around them. Led by CFPS Board member and Chair of the OSU History Department Brian Hosmer, and Dave Dean, Tulsa Street School English Instructor and winner of the 2025 Woody Guthrie Troubadour Teacher of the Year Awardee. Based on the success of this program, we are continuing our partnership with Tulsa Street School for the 20225-2026 school year!