Spirit of ’76

Now on Exhibit

As the United States marks 250 years of independence, the Oklahoma History Center Museum looks back on how Oklahomans commemorated the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

Spirit of ’76 features photography and artifacts from the bicentennial. The photographs chronicle parades, community events, and projects from across Oklahoma, offering a window into a shared moment of civic celebration that connected Oklahomans to a nationwide commemoration. The exhibition also features commemorative objects that reflect the range of ways Oklahomans marked the milestone, from official commissions and commemorative medals to personal keepsakes such as a handmade cross-stitch and a bicentennial license plate.

This exhibition is open through September 2026.

Governor Boren and a man dressed in a Revolutionary War uniform lean forward to blow out candles on a large cake. The cake is decorated with US flags, swags of icing, and small top hats.
Governor David Boren blows out candles on a cake celebrating the 200th anniversary of the US Army
(2012.201.B0089.0165, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS).