On August 28, 1963, Tulsa’s airport name was changed from Tulsa Municipal Airport to Tulsa International Airport. Today marks the 55th anniversary of the switch. TIA has gone through many changes and renovations over the years, but it started as a small private field that was boosted and supported by local oilmen and businessmen, including William G. Skelly, until the City of Tulsa purchased it in 1929.
Special Collections houses 3 Tulsa Municipal Airport ledger books dating back to 1928 through 1931. When planes landed at Tulsa’s airfield, the pilot would sign the register and record important details: where they’d come from, how many passengers were with them, and what type of aircraft they were flying that day.
Our three ledger books contain some famous pilots throughout their pages, including visits from Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, James Harold Doolittle, and even Charles Lindbergh.
The books have been digitized and are available to view on our Archives Catalog. Select the ledger you’re interested in, then click on the ‘Digital Material’ tab to open a fully scanned copy of each book, viewable by the page. We’ve made sure to note which pages include famous autographs and visits.
If you’d like to visit Special Collections in person, we’re open Monday – Friday, 8am to 4:30pm to all visitors with a TU ID card or a photo ID.
