EXTRA! - Explore Oklahoma history

Oklahoma Historical Society sent this bulletin at 05/27/2026 05:00 AM CDT

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A vintage Ford Falcon at the Route 66 Museum, the Oklahoma Capitol, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Bridgeport Bridge, and the Arcadia Round Barn

Visit Learn Research SHPO Support About

May 27, 2026

George Washington, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, a Black Union Civil War soldier, and a flag being raised by a firefighter at 9/11.

RESOURCES FOR MUSEUMS

Commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary!

The Moments That Made US Print-On-Demand Exhibition was developed through a multi-state collaboration that adapted the acclaimed Moments That Made US exhibition created by History Colorado. In Oklahoma, the initiative is organized by the Oklahoma Historical Society and made available to institutions statewide in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

As part of America250, Oklahoma libraries, museums, and civic organizations play a vital role in ensuring that communities across the state can take part in commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. By hosting the exhibition, these institutions create opportunities for residents to explore the stories, ideas, and moments that continue to shape America.

This initiative reflects the enduring importance of libraries, museums, and cultural institutions as trusted, accessible community spaces that connect people with history, expand access to knowledge, and foster civic engagement.

Access the print-on-demand exhibit

The Oklahoma History Center Devon Great Hall with a photo of the Oklahoma Capitol at a distance and the Winnie Mae airplane at center

Visit the Oklahoma History Center!

Located across from the Oklahoma State Capitol, the Smithsonian Affiliate Oklahoma History Center is an exploration of Oklahoma—from the past to the present. Within the 215,000-square-foot learning center are five galleries sharing the stories of our state and the John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center.

The Oklahoma History Center participates in the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty US military personnel and their families. It is also a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association and a partner with Allied Arts. Additionally, it participates in the Museums for All initiative, offering reduced admission of $1 per person for up to four people to those presenting an EBT card, Tribal EBT card, Oklahoma Fosters ID, or Big Brothers Big Sisters ID.

SEE THE NEW EXHIBIT!

The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma

The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma, a new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center Museum, is now open in the Gaylord Gallery. The exhibit explores how Oklahoma’s 400-plus miles of drivable highway shaped communities along the route and continues to draw travelers today.

The Longest Stretch traces the road’s rise, decline, and revival through preservation and tourism. Visitors will see a 1915 Model T Roadster, a restored Taft Stadium sign, a Big Boy statue, and a 1961 Corvette on loan from the National Corvette Museum. Hands-on interactives will allow visitors to engage directly with the story of Route 66 and its evolution.

The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma will remain on view in the Gaylord Special Exhibit Gallery through 2027. This exhibit was made possible with support from the Inasmuch Foundation and the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation.

Current Oklahoma Historical Society exhibits

A fan with a picture of Booker T. Washington, Collection boxes, a 1930s brass doorknob and backplate, and an evening gown with large rose appliques

Collect. Preserve. Share. 20 Years at the Oklahoma History Center

Oklahoma History Center Museum

OKLAHOMA CITY

A woman with a hardhat rolling out pie dough near a WWI bunker

World War I: Lessons and Legacies

Cherokee Strip Museum

PERRY

A grainy vintage image of a bus traveling on Route 66 and the words "Will Rogers Highway" and a shield with the numbers 66.

Will Rogers Highway: Route 66

Will Rogers Memorial Museum

CLAREMORE

A painting of a rusty barn door hinge and a sunflower growing alongside

Brushes in the Heartland

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

ENID

Gouache painting by Woody Big Bow, c. 1956 depicting a Native American figure riding into camp on horseback with a Thunderbird shield

The Art of Woody Big Bow

Oklahoma History Center Museum

OKLAHOMA CITY

A pink sleeveless ballgown with an overlayment of tulle. Fabric petals of all sizes are sewn with gold sequins at their centers.

Beyond the Sash: Reflections on Oklahoma Pageants

Oklahoma History Center Museum

OKLAHOMA CITY

1959 Topps Baseball Card depicts Mickey Mantle at the plate with catcher and umpire in the background and patriotic bunting.

Oklahoma Sports Heroes

Oklahoma History Center Museum

OKLAHOMA CITY

Vintage Snack Sets

Fred and Addie Drummond Home

HOMINY

Three women and a man stand outside the Kumback Lunch diner in Perry in the 1930s.

100 Years of Kumback Lunch

Cherokee Strip Museum

PERRY

Oklahoma State Capitol Museum

Oklahoma State Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY

An Edison phonograph, a couple seated in a surrey with the fringe on top performing in the musical "Oklahoma!", Steamboat Heroine

Explore Oklahoma history with E-Exhibits

The Oklahoma History Center has a wide variety of E-Exhibits you can view from the cool comfort of your home! Each one explores an Oklahoma history topic and includes historic images, activities, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Explore all Oklahoma Historical Society resources for students, educators, and families.

Learn with OHS

A group of children gather to hear a living history lesson with reenactors at the Fort Gibson stockade.

MAKE IT A MEMORABLE SUMMER

Join the Oklahoma Historical Society

By joining the Oklahoma Historical Society, you become part of a legacy forged by generations of remarkable individuals. From the Native Americans who first inhabited these lands to the civil rights leaders, sports heroes, public servants, veterans, entertainers, artists, and citizens who followed—their stories form the rich tapestry of Oklahoma’s history.

Oklahoma Historical Society Membership comes with unlimited free admission to all OHS museums and historic sites!

Your tax-deductible membership supports the creation of exhibits, educational programs and resources, special events, and publications that bring our history to life.

Join or renew online

Nina Hager, editor

Detail of hands clasping a young chick, Two girls sifting flower, wildflowers growing along the battlefield trail, and a young rider

Follow the OHS website calendar to learn about our events and programs at OHS museums and historic sites across the state! Our calendar constantly changes with the latest programs and activities, from seasonal events to celebrations, exhibits, films, educational classes, and workshops.

Events Calendar Encyclopedia The Gateway Contact Us

A painted Route 66 shield marks the asphalt of a portion of the historic highway. Social media icons are grouped to the right

Connect with the Oklahoma Historical Society on social media—where you can learn more about Oklahoma history and get up-to-date information about events and exhibits across the state!

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66

Begin your journey on the Route 66 Resources page on the Oklahoma Historical Society’s website to keep up to date with the upcoming events and exhibits celebrating the legendary Mother Road.

Experience the thrill of more than 400 miles of Route 66 winding through Oklahoma. Head to the Travel Oklahoma website to learn about all of the charming towns, classic roadside diners, and quirky attractions along the nation’s longest drivable stretch of Route 66.

Stay connected with the Oklahoma Historical Society

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