Historic Vernon AME Church Launches Preservation Project

National support secured for restoration of Tulsa landmark

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A groundbreaking ceremony is set for February 12th at 10 a.m. to unveil plans for the preservation of the Historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The project has secured national support to restore the historic landmark.

Why it matters

The Vernon AME Church is a significant part of Tulsa's history, having survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Preserving this historic site is important for honoring the community's resilience and ensuring the church remains a symbol of hope and perseverance.

The details

The preservation project will focus on restoring the church's structure and grounds, which have deteriorated over the decades. Funding and support have been secured from national organizations dedicated to preserving African American historical sites.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for February 12, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The players

Historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church

A historic church in Tulsa, Oklahoma that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and is now undergoing a preservation project.

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What’s next

Following the groundbreaking, the preservation work on the Historic Vernon AME Church is expected to take several years to complete.

The takeaway

The restoration of the Historic Vernon AME Church is an important effort to preserve a significant piece of Tulsa's history and honor the resilience of the African American community in the face of past tragedies.