OKLAHOMA CITY — As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the Oklahoma History Center Museum is looking back at the last time the nation stopped to celebrate. The “Spirit of ’76” exhibit explores how Oklahomans commemorated the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. It is now on view at the museum.
“Spirit of ’76” is an exhibition featuring photography and artifacts from the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial. The photographs capture images of parades, community events and projects from across Oklahoma, offering a window into a shared moment of civic celebration that connected Oklahomans to a nationwide commemoration. The exhibition also features commemorative objects that reflect the range of ways Oklahomans marked the milestone, from official commissions and commemorative medals to personal keepsakes such as a hand-stitched cross-stitch and a Bicentennial license plate.
“One of the most fascinating aspects of the U.S. Bicentennial is that every community, regardless of size or location, found its own ways to participate,” said Michaela Wegman, museum curator. “The photographs and objects featured in this exhibition highlight how Oklahomans joined in the nationwide celebration and transformed the national anniversary into meaningful local experiences.”
“Spirit of ’76” is now on view at the Oklahoma History Center Museum, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.