Oklahoma History Center Offers New Online Series

OKLAHOMA CITY — Although the doors to the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) in Oklahoma City are open to the public, many people are looking for different ways to spend their leisure hours without risk of exposure to COVID-19. In response, the OHC has developed “From the Collection,” a new, online series that will take the community behind the scenes to see some of the fascinating artifacts in its collection storage.

The Oklahoma Historical Society has more than 130,000 artifacts in its collection, ranging from sewing needles to cars and tipis. These items are kept in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, and many are used in exhibits at Oklahoma Historical Society sites and museums. Some items are so fragile or unique that they may never be placed on display, and can be viewed by appointment only. It is on this premise that the Oklahoma History Center will offer “From the Collection.” Not only will this series allow viewers to see and hear the details of a particular, rarely seen artifact, but they can also do it safely from their own computer or personal device.

On each monthly episode of “From the Collection,” a new artifact will be presented by a member of the curatorial staff. These installments will be available through the Oklahoma Historical Society website at okhistory.pastperfectonline.com, or may be accessed from the Oklahoma History Center Facebook page, www.facebook.com/okhistorycenter. The first episode is now available. For more information, please call the OHC at 405-522-0765.

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 www.okhistory.org.