Oklahoma Main Street Center

08/21/2026

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08/20/2026

While cleaning our Main Street offices we ran across this photo from "back in the day" so on this , can anyone help us out, tell us the year and name some of the people in the picture? We spot a couple of familiar faces, but that's it!

08/19/2026

ICYMI: Happening today, Wednesday, 2pm -- Central Time. **Free small biz webinar.

Ready to turn your idea into a real business? Join us for Business Plan Basics — the workshop that takes you from concept to confident. Whether you're starting from scratch or finally ready to put your vision on paper, this hands-on session will walk you through everything you need to build a soli...

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day, and we’re celebrating the organizations that make a difference in their communities every single day— our Main Street programs across Oklahoma!

Most, if not all, local Main Street programs operate as nonprofit organizations, bringing together volunteers, businesses, property owners, community leaders and local partners to create stronger, more resilient historic commercial districts.

From organizing community events and supporting small businesses to preserving historic buildings, recruiting new businesses and advocating for district investment, Main Street nonprofits are working behind the scenes—and on the front lines—to make their communities better places.

And they don’t do it alone. Volunteers, donors, sponsors, board members and community partners are the heart of the work.

So today, we want to recognize Oklahoma’s Main Street nonprofits and everyone who gives their time, talent and resources to help their historic commercial districts thrive.

08/13/2026

**UPCOMING APPLICATION WORKSHOP**

For all prospective communities: We invite you to participate in the Oklahoma Main Street Application Workshop at the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) Annual Conference in Tulsa on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

This free workshop is the first step in the process of becoming an Oklahoma Main Street community. If your community attends to apply in 2027, at least one representative from your community must attend one of the applications workshop sessions.

Date: September 17
Location: Arvest Convention Center - Conference Room B
Address: 100 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103

In-person workshop times:
*1:10-2:00 pm
*2:10-3:00 pm

A Zoom version of the workshop will also be offered, with the date and time TBD. A Zoom link will be emailed to those who register for the virtual option on the sign- up sheet.

Follow the link to register for the Application Workshop
https://tinyurl.com/2s62v68v.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Main Street program, the application process and what is expected of communities.

Tuesday, September 17th, 2026 Arvest Convention Center: ​Conference Room B 100 Civic Center Tulsa, OK 74103 If you plan to attend the Main Street Application Workshop, please register below. If...

08/11/2026

We are saddened as well. What a huge loss this is to the historic preservation society as a whole.

The National Trust is saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, colleague, and trustee Irvin Henderson who died over the weekend from a heart attack.

Irvin was a legend in the preservation field and is beloved by many. He believed deeply in the National Trust's mission and served on numerous boards and councils including at the National Trust Community Investment Corporation and Main Street America.

While we, and the broader preservation community, mourn his loss, his legacy will continue to live on and inspire the work we do every day.

08/11/2026

** Free education for small businesses! **

Through a partnership with the US Bank Foundation, Main Street America is hosting webinars for small business owners to help them gain the skills to access capital and build strong and sustainable ventures.

Sign up for the next webinar, Business Plan Basics, coming up on Wednesday, August 19 at 3 p.m. ET.
Register now:

Ready to turn your idea into a real business? Join us for Business Plan Basics — the workshop that takes you from concept to confident. Whether you're starting from scratch or finally ready to put your vision on paper, this hands-on session will walk you through everything you need to build a soli...

08/10/2026

Our local historic commercial districts matter. On this Monday we hear Cindy Lawrence explain ... "Why Main Street Matters" in Sapulpa.

08/06/2026

**Special Screening Opportunity**
Catch this amazing documentary throughout Oklahoma the week of September 18-24!!

Celebrate the centennial of a truly legendary highway with a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA—a powerfully moving new feature-length documentary that follows the road, sharing unforgettable stories of the people and towns we meet along the way.

From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, each encounter reveals communities finding new life and purpose—making new history—proving the most meaningful journeys often unfold on the road less traveled.

Whether you’ve driven Route 66 or only imagined it, this film takes you there—creating an immersive and heartfelt portrait of an American icon that’s full of humor, warmth, and discovery.

https://www.mainstreetofamerica.com/film

Check the website for screening opportunities and tickets!
You may even see a few familiar faces and locations in the film!

ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA is a new feature-length documentary by filmmaker John Paget, a centennial portrait of the enduring towns and everyday heroes along this legendary highway.

08/05/2026

Welcome to the Oklahoma Main Street Center family!

We look forward to working alongside the SOBO District in Tulsa as they bring their ideas to life, create meaningful impact, and join a network of communities across the state dedicated to place-based economic development.