Four Inducted into Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame

Honorees recognized for distinguished contributions to preserving and sharing Oklahoma history

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Oklahoma Historical Society will induct four individuals - Donald L. Fixico, David W. Levy (posthumous), Linda D. Wilson, and Timothy A. Zwink - into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame during an awards banquet on March 19th. This honor recognizes their long-term excellence in preserving, collecting, interpreting, and disseminating the history of Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded by the Oklahoma Historical Society, celebrating those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the understanding and appreciation of the state's rich history. These inductees have dedicated their careers to chronicling Oklahoma's past through research, writing, teaching, and public programs, ensuring the state's story is preserved for future generations.

The details

Donald L. Fixico is a renowned historian of the American West and American Indian history, with over 20 published books. David W. Levy was a respected scholar of American intellectual and political history who also served as the official historian of the University of Oklahoma. Linda D. Wilson has written extensively on Oklahoma and women's history, contributing over 250 entries to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Timothy A. Zwink spent his career as both an Oklahoma historian and administrator, helping to secure funding for the Oklahoma History Center.

  • The Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • The inductees will be honored during the ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

The players

Donald L. Fixico

A Regents' and Distinguished Professor of History, Distinguished Scholar of Sustainability, and Affiliate Faculty of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University, who was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma and is an expert on the American West and American Indian history.

David W. Levy

The late Irene and Julian Rothbaum Professor of Modern American History at the University of Oklahoma, who was best known nationally for his work on American intellectual and political history and served as the official historian of the University of Oklahoma.

Linda D. Wilson

A writer, publisher, and editor who has contributed articles on Oklahoma and women's history for over 30 years, and is an active contributor to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.

Timothy A. Zwink

An Oklahoma historian and administrator who spent over a decade as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and later joined the Oklahoma Historical Society, where his grant writing skills helped secure funding for the Oklahoma History Center.

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What’s next

Tickets to the Oklahoma Historical Society Awards Banquet can be purchased online, and guests are asked to RSVP by Monday, March 9. There will be a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Cocktail attire is requested.

The takeaway

These four inductees have dedicated their careers to ensuring Oklahoma's rich history is preserved, shared, and celebrated. Their work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the state's past and its importance in the broader context of American history.