Becoming Fearless exhibit closes
May 14
Event Navigation
The photography exhibit, Becoming Fearless, will be open in the Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center through Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Becoming Fearless explores 70 years of firefighting in Oklahoma. Twenty-five black-and-white images trace the evolution of the profession from the early days of acrobatics, antics, and volunteerism in the 1900s to the sophisticated fire safety systems in use today. Photographs from the early days of firefighting often depicted feats of agility—along with a bit of humor. Some of the images are great examples of the firehouses, equipment, and uniforms from across the state. Guthrie established its fire department in 1889, the same year as Oklahoma City. Tulsa followed in 1900, Enid in 1902, and Edmond in 1903. Most started with volunteers only, as is still the case in some rural areas today. Horse-drawn fire equipment was common from 1889, when the Oklahoma City Fire Department (OCFD) was originally established, until 1910 when the first motorized firefighting vehicle was introduced.
The Chesapeake Event Center and Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is also used to hold meetings and events, so patrons should call in advance to make sure the room is open to the public on the day of a visit.
Museum admission is $12.50 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62 and over, $9 for students and free for children ages five and under. The Family rate (up to 6 people) is $35. The Group rate (10+) is $9 per person. Oklahoma Historical Society members, active-duty military, veterans, and dependents (with ID) are admitted at no charge. Dependents of active-duty military and veterans with ID also receive free admission from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day (May 21–September 5, 2022).
The OHC is a division of the OHS and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums.
A steam pumper Oklahoma City fire engine No. 9, taken between 1890 and 1920, (16820, Oklahoma Historical Society Photograph Collection.)
