Search for 1921 graves to begin in October

(TULSA, Okla.) The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation Public Oversight Committee met Thursday night and received updates from the committees established for the 1921 graves reexamination, including the historical context and the physical evidence investigation committees. Based on the updates provided, the initial ground penetration radar will occur on Mon., Oct. 7 at four sites. An additional site near Newblock Park was added following the pre-examination and research of the initial three sites. The ground penetration work will be open to the public to view the work. The exact schedule with the site locations and times will be posted on the 1921 graves webpage, www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves by Oct. 4. During the ground penetration radar, the site areas will be zoned off to create a perimeter to prevent any interference with the ground penetration radar equipment. The physical evidence investigation is being led by the State of Oklahoma Archaeological Survey based at the University of Oklahoma, which will use ground penetration radar at four sites in Tulsa, including: Oaklawn Cemetery, Newblock Park (and an area near Newblock Park) and Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens, formerly Booker T. Washington Cemetery. Once the results from the ground penetration radar are complete, the results will be made available at the next Public Oversight Meeting. Oral history and stories from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre have been passed down from generation to generation. If you have information or a story to share that will help with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves investigation or want more information on the investigation process, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves. A phone line has also been setup by the Greenwood Cultural Center, (918) 596-1024. The next 1921 Graves Public Oversight Committee Meeting will be held on Thurs., Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m. at Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford Ave. in Tulsa.