Dates in office: June 16, 1964 – April 11, 1967
Born: May 1, 1913
Died: March 23, 1977

Prior to becoming Mayor, George Henry Shirk practiced law in Oklahoma City and was involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations. He was well known for his fascination with Oklahoma history and was nicknamed “Mr. Oklahoma History” because of his numerous published works on state history and frequent references to historical events in his speeches. 
Shirk was appointed Acting Mayor on June 16, 1964 to complete the remainder of Mayor Wilkes’ term and he was elected to a two-year term in April 1965.
A competent and diplomatic leader, Mayor Shirk won adoption of the downtown redevelopment plan developed by renowned architect I.M. Pei in September 1965. He also oversaw expansion of Will Rogers World Airport, completion of the Atoka Water Project initiated under Mayor James Norick, and the renovation of the Municipal Auditorium, which was renamed the Civic Center Music Hall. 
Following his tenure as Mayor, Shirk continued pursuing his interests in local history and served as President for the Oklahoma Historical Society until 1975. He also authored several historical articles and books, and once led an exploratory expedition onto the fabled Chinese Catacombs which ran through downtown Oklahoma City. The George Shirk Oklahoma History Center at Oklahoma City University is named in his honor. 

George Shirk Collection, Oklahoma City University

2010.115. George Shirk Collection. 1952-1969, Oklahoma Historical Society