The mission of the OHS is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people.

Projects are carried out in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, as well as other state and local governments, groups, and interested people.

The OHS has published The Chronicles of Oklahoma, the society's scholarly journal, since 1921 and continues to issue four editions per year.

The society's monthly newsletter, Mistletoe Leaves, includes information about OHS activities and historical happenings throughout Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma History Center occupies 215,000 ft2 (19,974m2) and contains more than 2,000 artifacts and exhibits featuring hands-on audio, video, and activities.

From 1919 to 1942, Czarina Conlan was in charge of collecting artifacts and documents for the museum from the various Native American tribes throughout the state.

It is planned as the state museum of popular culture, including music, television, film and the performing arts.

The board is responsible for appointing an executive director of the society, who serves concurrently as the state historic preservation officer.