Whiteman Family Home nominated for national preservation recognition.

Why the home matters

Whiteman family history dates the home to 1893, during the Indian Territory era. Independent Oklahoma Historical Society archives document the W. J. Whiteman home in Goodwater before Oklahoma statehood.

W. J. Whiteman became Goodwater's first postmaster, with historical postal records documenting his appointment on December 19, 1894. Historical newspapers and other archival sources also document his involvement in agriculture, merchandising, banking and civic life in the region.

The surviving home, historical photographs, family records and independent archival evidence together provide a physical connection to Goodwater's history before and after Oklahoma became a state.

Review the historical sources

A preservation effort is underway

The National Trust nomination is one part of a larger preservation effort. Save the Whiteman Home is assembling historical photographs, newspaper records, government documents, family history and independent archival evidence into a permanent public historical archive.

Preservation guidance has also been requested from Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office as the family explores appropriate historic-preservation and National Register opportunities. These contacts are requests for guidance and do not imply endorsement, partnership, eligibility or designation.

The threat

The property faces a time-sensitive financial preservation threat. The campaign is working to secure $125,000 by May 2027 so that the historic property can remain intact and connected with the family history and archival material now being documented.

Preservation of the property would allow the current research effort to develop into long-term stewardship, historical documentation and responsible interpretation.

Support the preservation campaign

About the National Trust nomination

America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places is an annual National Trust for Historic Preservation program intended to bring national advocacy and public attention to threatened historic places. The National Trust states that selection considers the history and significance of a place, the urgency and nature of the threat, local support and active advocacy, potential preservation solutions, and whether inclusion may help save or activate the place.

The National Trust's current 2027 schedule says nominations are accepted through October 8, 2026. Some applicants may be contacted for additional information in November or December 2026, and the selected 2027 places are expected to be announced in May 2027.

Selection does not itself provide legal protection or guaranteed funding. The National Trust states that selected places receive technical assistance and public-awareness support, while the designation itself does not include a grant or direct funding.

Read the National Trust's 2027 program information

Help preserve the historical record

Researchers, descendants of Goodwater families, historians and others who possess photographs, documents or information concerning W. J. Whiteman, the Whiteman family or historic Goodwater are encouraged to contribute information to the continuing research project.

Historical documentation and preservation updates will continue to be published here as research develops.

Read preservation updates