The halls of one of Okmulgee’s most treasured landmarks will once again fill with life, memories and renewed purpose on Saturday, Oct. 25.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is warmly invited to attend the Landmark for All Generations Homecoming and Open House, located at 210 N. Wood Drive. This spe- cial event celebrates the enduring legacy of what was once the Okmulgee Black Hospital, a pillar of resilience, healthcare and community pride in African American history.
The building that now bears the name Landmark for All Generations was originally constructed during an era when African Americans were excluded from mainstream medical care. It became one of only a few Black hospitals in Oklahoma, opening in 1924, serving not only Okmulgee County but surrounding rural communities as well. It was more than a medical institution – it was a beacon of hope, progress and professional excellence.
Doctors, nurses and staff members provided quality healthcare under the weight of racial segregation, while also nurturing the next generation of Black medical professionals. Generations were born, treated and healed within its walls. It stood as a physical reminder of the determination and ingenuity of Okmulgee’s Black community.
Leman Lewis, Sr. was on a mission to get the historic building restored and put into use as a tribute to past and future generations. However, his dream went unfulfilled due to his untimely passing earlier this year.
His wish was that his family would continue with the vision, and thus he turned over the reins to his son, Robert, an Okmulgee native, OHS graduate, who, along with his wife Jillian, in harmony with the Landmark board, wish to move forward to bring Landmark to life.
The Oct. 25 celebration will offer attendees a chance to honor the generations who have been a part of the hospital’s history and the community it shaped. There will be a time to share memories, celebrate the people and moments, see a sampling of memories and help preserve the stories of the past and those still to come.
Now repurposed under the name Landmark for All Generations, the building will be more than a museum or restored historical site. It’s a living tribute – one that aims to educate the community about its past, while fostering conversations about health equity, preservation and cultural pride.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their families, friends and personal memories of the former hospital. Organizers hope this event will spark further support for preservation efforts and serve as a unifying celebration of what it means to carry history forward.
Whether you’re a longtime Okmulgee resident or someone newly discovering this landmark’s story, you are welcome to be a part of this important occasion.
