1921 graves committee recommends a full excavation and analysis of Original 18 site

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Today, the 1921 Graves Public Oversight Committee recommended that a full excavation and analysis of the Original 18 site at Oaklawn Cemetery proceed this summer, with Oaklawn Cemetery as a temporary re-internment site for any identified remains.

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While Oaklawn Cemetery was recommended as the temporary re-interment site, the Public Oversight Committee will work in the coming months to make recommendations for a permanent burial and memorial location for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims identified through this process.

Due to the size of the grave shaft and an anticipated number of burials, the committee says experts expect the excavation could take weeks or even months depending on the needs in the field.

The City of Tulsa will hire a funeral director, fund additional archaeological services, and seek state regulatory approval for the excavation this summer.

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The committee will reconvene in April to further discuss the investigation.