Oklahoma state Capitol renovations detailed in 'The People's House' documentary

An Oklahoma Historical Society documentary film released to the public June 28 showcases Oklahoma’s Capitol and the nearly decade-long restorations of the building. 

“The People’s House” was created as a “bookend” to the restoration process and to capture the history of the building. 

Trait Thompson, Oklahoma Historical Society executive director, worked as the project manager for the restorations between 2014 and 2020 and said this film captured a “once in a generation project.”

Thompson said that prior to the restorations, the building was in bad shape. It was “dark and dingy,” he said.

Thompson said this documentary is a way to show the Oklahoma Capitol in its restored state today. 

“It really was out of a desire to capture the history of our iconic state Capitol in one succinct documentary,” Thompson said. 

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He said he hopes people can walk away from watching the film with an understanding that the Oklahoma Capitol is more than just a building, but a representation of the people of Oklahoma. 

“It’s not just any old structure … it’s a place where the people can come and they can have their voices heard,” he said. “It’s where their legislators are that hopefully listen to their thoughts and ideals and try to codify those into law. It is a place where it’s a symbol of our democracy.”

The project, funded by the Inasmuch Foundation, is directed by Brian Beasley, narrated by John Erling, a former Tulsa radio host, and included drone footage from Sky Candy Studios. The film took about one-and-a-half years to complete. 

Thompson said the animations and coordinating interviews were the pieces that took the longest to complete. Interviews included people Thompson called “fixtures of the Capitol, Oklahoma and the political process.”

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Some of those who were interviewed included former governors like George Nigh, Frank Keating and Mary Fallin. 

“I’m really thankful we were able to get the documentary film done because it really preserves the story,” Thompson said. “Why is the building important? Why should we care about our Capitol building? I think the documentary answers those questions.”

How to watch 'The People's House'

The documentary is available to stream on the Oklahoma Historical Society’s YouTube profile. The film made its television debut on Oklahoma’s statewide PBS station on June 27. 

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