The Oklahoma History Center is celebrating five years of being the premier museum of Sooner State history in the nation.
Since opening its doors to the public in 2005, the museum has seen more than 330,000 adults and children enter its doors. In the next few weeks, the museum will have welcomed its 1 millionth visitor, according to Michael Dean, public relations director.
"As the museum was being constructed, I would tell my wife how neat the exhibits were going to be," Dean said. "When she finally got the chance to see it, she told me, 'It's just like the Smithsonian, but it's our history. It's our state.'"
Unlike the Smithsonian, the Oklahoma History Center chronicles the experiences of Oklahoma's past, present and virtually its future, through exhibits such as "Another Hot Oklahoma Night!: A Rock & Roll Exhibit," "Tierra de Mi Familia: Oklahoma" and "The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists."
For the anniversary, admission will be free Saturday, as a way to thank the patrons who have helped the museum thrive.
The Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for students. For more information, call 522-5248 or visit www.okhistorycenter.org.
Photo: Celebrate the Oklahoma History Center's fifth birthday with free admission on Saturday.
Photo Credit: Mark Hancock
