OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma History Center Museum announced today the opening of “Moments That Made US,” a special exhibition during the America250 commemoration that explores how generations of Americans have given meaning to the ideals set out in the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition is now on view at the Oklahoma History Center Museum at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City.
The exhibition looks back across centuries and highlights both challenging and celebratory moments from the colonial era to more recent generations. It explores five themes drawn directly from the Declaration of Independence: Created Equal; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness; Free and Independent States; Consent of the Governed; and We Mutually Pledge. The 15 featured moments from American history remind us that our nation’s story was never inevitable—we shaped it at every turn.
“Moments That Made US” was developed through a multi-state collaboration to ensure that Americans throughout the nation would have the opportunity to meaningfully engage in the nation’s 250th anniversary. It adapts the acclaimed exhibition created by History Colorado, currently on view at the History Colorado Center in Denver, into a format that allows host venues to connect local history to the nation’s story.
“‘Moments That Made US’ is a meaningful way for Oklahomans to engage with the America250 commemoration,” said Nicole Harvey, director of the Oklahoma History Center Museum. “We were proud to help bring the print-on-demand version of this exhibition to Oklahoma, and we hope other organizations across the state will consider hosting it in their own communities.”
“Moments That Made US” is on view at the Oklahoma History Center Museum through August 2026. It is included with paid museum admission.
About the Oklahoma History Center
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.
About History Colorado
History Colorado developed the original “Moments That Made US” exhibition, from which the community print-on-demand version was adapted. The state historical society and a Smithsonian Affiliate, History Colorado is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call 303-HISTORY for more information.
The print-on-demand version of “Moments That Made US” was developed in collaboration with Arizona America250, History Colorado, the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Washington State Historical Society. To learn more about how to bring this exhibition to your community, visit okhistory.org/museum-resources.