THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

Ghost stories have historically afforded those with little power in society to preserve uncomfortable histories. While hegemonic forces occasionally coopt these stories, ghostly tales still maintain the ability to record frightening aspects of true history and hide them in the “plain sight” of entertainment. Walking ghost tours are popular attractions through which such stories are transmitted. A gap in literature regarding dark tourism is close examination of scary stories about university campuses. This project attempts to turn the tools of academia toward scholarly institutions themselves by exploring the walking ghost tour at the University of Oklahoma. The ethnographic-style study conveys ways that tourism can play a role in giving voice to the marginalized and inspire resistive civic activity for student tourists.