The grandson of W.E. Dode McIntosh is proud to announce the donation of personal papers, photographs and memorabilia belonging to W.E. Dode McIntosh, a prominent figure in Creek history as Principal Chief, 1961 – 1972.
This significant contribution marks the beginning of the W.E. Dode and Lulu McIntosh collection that will preserve and celebrate the legacy of Chief McIntosh for generations to come.
The collection includes personal correspondence, rare photographs, and a complete set of his papers while serving as Principal Chief for the Muscogee Nation, offering an important glimpse into the life and work of one of Oklahoma’s influential leaders.
Chief McIntosh’s service marks the transition from the end of an era into a new phase of Creek affairs.
In 1972, President Nixon pushed Congress to reverse nearly a century of policies meant to assimilate Native Americans into white society, eventually resulting in tribal sovereignty for tribes.
Chief McIntosh was the final Presidential appointment, and he successfully aided the Creek tribe to enter a new relationship that included electing their own leaders instead of being subject to Presidential appointments.
The collection will be housed at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City and made available to researchers, students and the public.
The donation was coordinated by Chief McIntosh’s grandson, Dr. Ken McIntosh, for the McIntosh family. Dr. McIntosh is a history instructor at Clarendon College. According to Dr. McIntosh, “I am honored to represent Chief McIntosh’s nine grandchildren, most of whom live in Oklahoma, in the presentation of these materials. It is our hope that the collection will inspire future generations to learn from McIntosh’s dedication to public service in Tulsa and tribal leadership for the Muscogee Nation.”
Ms. Kayla Miller, a student at Clarendon College, worked nearly 100 hours with Dr. McIntosh to assemble the tribal papers chronologically in large notebooks. Kayla is from Childress, Texas, and is working towards a degree in Library Science.
The Oklahoma Historical Society was founded in 1893 to preserve and share the state’s rich history through its museums, archives, and educational programs.
For more information about the McIntosh collection or to schedule a visit to see it, please contact Veronica Redding at 405-522-2291 or veronica.redding@history.ok.gov
