Excelsior Library added to National Register of Historic Places

The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office announced a piece of Guthrie’s history has been added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Oklahoma.

The Excelsior Library, located at 323 S. 2nd Street, was first built as a house in 1908 and in 1954 was replaced by the current structure and named the Excelsior Library

The Excelsior Library is significant in the area of social history, education and ethnic heritage. It was added to the 1954 bond issue at the urging of the Negro Chamber of Commerce. Guthrie voters approved a bond issue to build the African American Library. It was built before a modern library for whites in Guthrie and during the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, which some hoped would end segregation of public facilities. Even after separate but equal was outlawed and a new integrated library was built, the Excelsior Library remained vital to the African American community as a community center and symbol of its heritage.

Over the years the building has served as a community center, church, youth center  and party facility. In 1998, the city agreed to allow the Guthrie Arts Council to occupy the building until 2014. Related story: What to do with the Excelsior building?

Listing in the National Register is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.

The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information please visit www.okhistory.org.