Jeffrey B. Schmidt

About the Author

Jeffrey B. Schmidt is a historian and writer with a deep passion for the American heartland, particularly the resilient stories of small-town America. Drawing from extensive research and personal travels across Oklahoma's vast landscapes, he uncovers the forgotten narratives of communities that have faced abandonment, decline, or improbable survival. In his acclaimed work, Here Today: Oklahoma’s Ghost Towns, Vanishing Towns, and Towns Persisting against the Odds, Schmidt blends meticulous historical analysis with vivid storytelling to illuminate the human spirit amid economic and environmental challenges. A former educator and archivist, he continues to advocate for preserving regional heritage through his writing, lectures, and community engagements, inspiring readers to appreciate the enduring legacy of these vanishing places.