Press Release
August 20, 2025
Contact: Jillian Helsley
Oklahoma History Center Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5820
[email protected]
okhistory.org/historycenter
New Exhibit Opens August 30 at Oklahoma History Center Museum in Oklahoma City
OKLAHOMA CITY — With six Miss America winners to its name, Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in the world of pageantry. Opening on Saturday, August 30, “Beyond the Sash: Reflections on Oklahoma Pageants” is a new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center Museum that explores the depth and variety of the state’s pageants and cultural representation. Through both historic and contemporary examples, the exhibit examines how these events reflect tradition, identity and change.
From national competitions like Miss America to local honors such as Fairest of the Fair and cultural ambassador titles within tribal and multicultural communities, Oklahoma’s many forms of pageants have served as platforms for personal achievement, artistic and cultural expression and public service. The exhibit highlights the varied experiences of participants across generations and backgrounds.
Featured objects include gowns, crowns, sashes, trophies and accessories from statewide pageants and cultural competitions, including personal items from Jane Jayroe, Miss America 1967. Visitors will also see items from Muscogee (Creek), Ponca, Hispanic and Asian communities; contemporary rhinestone tiaras and sashes; and garments from youth competitions such as Little Miss India Oklahoma and Mayan heritage celebrations.
“Beyond the Sash” opens to the public on Saturday, August 30, in the Sam Noble Gallery of 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.-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.
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