Chickasaw Historical Society

The Chickasaw Historical Society was established by tribal law on April 15, 1994.  Since that time our board and society members have worked towards the mission statement of promoting, preserving, and protecting our culture and family traditions.  The Chickasaw community is of great importance to our board of directors.  Some of the ways we work within our communities are:

• Research and document historical information 
• Profile achievements of our citizens 
• Promote tribal arts 
• Educate in our language 
• Encourage archival and museum donations

CHS takes pride in the fact that we are a sharing organization.  We stretch many miles into other states and other countries providing services that benefit the Chickasaw people.  The following is a list of some of the community activities that CHS has been involved with over the years.

Placed historical granite markers in various locations such as:

• The Chickasaw Manual Labor Academy (Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge) 
• The Chickasaw Capitol (Tishomingo) 
• The Chickasaw Capitol Bell (capitol grounds) 
• Chief Tishu Minco (capitol grounds) 
• The Douglas Johnston White House (Emet) 
• Seeley Chapel (Connerville)

Activities

• Publishes “The Journal of Chickasaw History and Culture,” a biannual (twice yearly) publication, which features more than 150 articles ranging from pre-history to modern day events.
• Established the CHS Vinnie May Humes Memorial Fund, which provides financial support to educational language programs. 
• In coordination with the Chickasaw Council House Museum, CHS produced a Talking Chickasaw Dictionary CD-ROM.  It features the voice of Chickasaw language speaker, Vinnie May Humes. 
• Published “Chikasha Holisso Holba,” the Chickasaw picture book. 
  Published four Chickasaw artist calendars.  Featured a total of 34 artists and co-sponsored a calendar signing and reception. 
• Held reception for Chickasaw artist Tom Phillips and invited school children for a question and answer session. 
  Purchased artwork which is currently on loan to The Chickasaw Council House Museum for display.  Assisted with funding support to traditional artisans for different events.  
• Over the years, CHS board members have served as consultants for several museums exhibits.  Some of these include the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma; the Old Capitol Building Museum in Jackson, Mississippi; and the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma. 
• Produced a video presentation during the Annual Meeting on Chickasaw family oral histories. 
  Donated funding to Chickasaw Dance Troupe. 
• Purchased video footage of Chickasaw people singing hymns in the Chickasaw/Choctaw language at Sandy Creek and Boiling Spring churches. 
• Assisted in sponsorship for the Native American Repatriation Summit in Oklahoma City. 
  Donated funding for the Red Earth Artists Gala in Oklahoma City. 
• As a fund raiser, CHS is selling bricks with family names or titles engraved on them.  The bricks are being placed in the ground at various historical sites within the Chickasaw Nation.