Oklahoma History Center(26)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
OKLAHOMA CITY
Late last year I was lured out of my house by a book sale. I went to the address and it was the Oklahoma History Center. I still wanted to look through the books that were spread out on the tables, but when I saw that there was a museum, I wanted to see the that way more. So that's what I did. The books would have to wait. As I've said before, this was one of those places that I didn't take many pictures because, as with most things, it's just for me. I never plan on sharing very much. That is until I started this website. So, to make a better post about the Oklahoma History Center, I went back and a volunteer named Fred gave me the rundown of where things were and what I'd see when I got there. The first time I went, there was a cool space exhibit. They've since dismantled that room and sent it to the Tom Stafford Museum in Weatherford. I'll get to see that stuff again when I make my way over there later this year.
But, back to the lecture at hand. Growing up in Oklahoma, there are certain iconic things I remember from my childhood like Romper Room, Ho-Ho the Clown, and Love's Country Stores. But there was so much more going on that I had no clue about. This Oklahoma collection filled in a few blank memories and showed me things I never even dreamed were from our great state. I'm definitely going to visit this museum again because I was in a bit of a rush when I stopped in and also, I want to show it off to friends who come from out of town. That's how amazing this museum is. I wanted to take pictures of nearly everything, but I refrained. I still took over 100! HA! I pared it down for this post though. You're welcome.
There are four main galleries that are sponsored by corporations that can thankfully afford to bring us this wonderfully diverse collection of Oklahoma history. I'm still in awe of what the curators have put together for us. Everything from early television pioneers to commerce and restaurateurs. Planes and cars and sports and music and...well, you get the picture. A lot! And they haven't sugar coated history. You can still see photos and displays of how minorities like Natives and Black folks were treated poorly and yet, they persisted and became artists, musicians, judges, and entrepreneurs. In my opinion, if you're going to show us history, show us all of the history, not just the shiny happy bits. This museum has so many twists and turns in the four galleries that I know there is something you'll love along the way. So if you have an hour or so (way more time if you want read everything they have and watch all the videos), take in the Oklahoma History Center and its diverse collection of all things Oklahoma. And at the end, you can sing along to the Broadway Musical, Oklahoma! on a little stage on the second floor. This Okie nerd loved it.
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City
405-521-2491
Jonathan Elmore ©2025
