"Oklahoma Driven:  Cars, Collectors and the Birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission"

New Exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center

March 17, 2011 - March 2012

On March 16, 1911, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 318 creating the Oklahoma Highway Commission. As the number of cars and trucks in Oklahoma exploded within the next few years, the demand for more and improved roads, highways, and bridges also increased. Now, 100 years later, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation continues to build and maintain Oklahoma's all important highway system. In celebration of this centennial, the Oklahoma History Center, The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the Horseless Carriage Club of America proudly presents the special exhibition, "Oklahoma Driven: Cars, Collectors and the Birth of the Oklahoma Highway Commission."

The exhibit will open to the public on March 17, 2011 and will be on display through March 2012. Oklahoma Driven features one-of-a-kind, brass era automobiles from the personal collections of Sooner Regional chapter members of the HCCA. Hear their stories as they relate their car restoration experiences. Coupled with the story of Oklahoma's early highway development, these collectors and their antique automobiles illustrate the early formation of America's pervasive car culture. The fascinating designs of these automobiles are accentuated by scenes of early Oklahoma roadways as well as by artifacts relating to driving these machines and building the roadways they traveled.

Third Thursday FREE History Program

"Oklahoma Land Runs and Lottery:  Myth & Reality"

March 17, 7pm

Join us as we explore the five Oklahoma land runs and the lottery system that opened the land to non-Indian settlement.  Please call Jason Harris (405)522-0785 or email jharris@okhistory.org with questions about the program.

"Cowboy Round-Up"

March 19, 10am-2pm

The staff will pull out all the stops setting up an 1870s cowboy camp. Children are encouraged to dress as cowboys and cowgirls and compete in a costume contest. The winner will receive a family membership! Activities will include roping, branding, cowboy cooking, coloring, and more.  Please call (405)522-0785 if you have questions about this event.

March 26, 1-5pm

Oklahoma History Center

The next Dutch oven cooking class is set for 1PM - 5PM at the Oklahoma History Center on March 26th.This hands-on class is open to adults and teens. Learn a variety of recipes as you create a dish and discover how to use a Dutch oven in your backyard. $10 per person, all materials provided. During the class students will learn the fundamentals of Dutch Oven cooking and prepare a meal. The majority of the class is spent outdoors.

Registration required. For more information contact Jason Harris at (405)522-0785 or jharris@okhistory.org.