Inaugural Impressions: Oklahoma’s First Ladies Go to the Ball exhibit opens
June 7
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On Friday, June 7, the Oklahoma History Center Museum will open a new exhibit in the Sam Noble Gallery entitled Inaugural Impressions: Oklahoma’s First Ladies Go to the Ball. This installation will feature the dresses Oklahoma’s first ladies wore to the state’s inaugurations. Unlike past exhibits focused on fashion, Inaugural Impressions will explore women’s roles, accomplishments, and contributions while their husbands served as governors.
The exhibit will feature a variety of gowns from the Oklahoma Historical Society’s collections. The phrase “the power behind the throne” has been used for centuries to describe the influence of leaders’ spouses over their ruling mates, which is true of the first ladies of Oklahoma. Whether as dedicated homemakers and mothers, political activists, raising money, or addressing community needs, Oklahoma’s first ladies have always played a leading role in our history. Their professionalism and poise have increased the public’s awareness of worthy causes.
From Lillian Haskell to Sarah Stitt, our first ladies have assumed an active role in office. This exhibit highlights how our first ladies developed civic responsibility while navigating the social conventions of past eras. The exhibit follows the evolution of their roles, forged in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. After 1979, Oklahoma’s first ladies took on more active and vocal roles in response to the state’s social fabric.
In addition, the exhibit content will present questions about the social conventions of past eras of Oklahoma’s history, asking questions like “We do not dress today as people did at the beginning of the twentieth century. Why is that?” Interactive exhibit components will allow children and adults to explore the history of social practices, don clothing from other eras, and present themselves as if they were attending an inaugural ball. These activities will provide interpretive and educational impressions to encourage the public to interpret civic responsibility individually.
A special members-only reception at the Oklahoma History Center will be held on Thursday, June 6. The reception will feature hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Some of Oklahoma’s living first ladies have promised to attend the event. Become an OHS member today!
Inaugural Impressions will be open in the Sam Noble Gallery through May 30, 2025.
Rhonda Walters gown beading detail (1991.029.001, OHS Collections).
