1921 Graves Investigation Update - September 20, 2023

9/20/2023

Fifty grave shafts have been uncovered since the start of the third excavation at Oaklawn Cemetery as part of the 1921 Graves Investigation.  

One exhumation is planned today, bringing the total number of exhumed to three.  

The set of remains exhumed today will be transferred to the on-site osteology lab for forensic analysis. A determination as to the gender, cause of death, etc. has not yet been determined for any of the exhumed remains. 

This week, hand excavation work will continue on uncovered grave shafts to better determine which ones are candidates for exhumation. Additional excavation work will also continue. 

For the latest information on the 1921 Graves Investigation, including updated photos from this excavation, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/1921Graves.  

Genealogy Analysis: Get Involved

Utah Cold Case Coalition Intermountain Forensics is seeking help from anyone who may have relatives from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. For those who want to get involved who believe they have family ties to the massacre, email [email protected] and enter the subject line “1921 Graves. Information can also be found online at www.tulsa1921dna.org.