$50 OK History Center opens near state capitol

[Pete]

Really wish this would have been built somewhere downtown...





Oklahoma History Center opens 'treasures of heritage'



By The Associated Press

Like a time capsule for the state, the Oklahoma History Center opened its doors Tuesday to tell the story of Oklahoma from early American Indian families to the space capsule that carried American astronauts on the first space walk.

The $50 million museum, located on 18 acres near the state Capitol, houses 2,000 artifacts and 200 multimedia, interactive exhibits covering Oklahoma's contributions to aviation, geology, commerce, culture, transportation and the arts.

"The magnificent Oklahoma History Center is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have built our great state," Gov. Brad Henry said.

More than 1,500 people were expected at the opening night gala, where a trick roper, Indian fancy dancers and historic re-enactors entertained guests. The Oklahoma History Center opens to the public on Saturday.

"As visitors arrive, they will truly experience Oklahoma at one site, from Guymon to Broken Bow and from Miami to Altus," said Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

"The Oklahoma History Center is an architectural masterpiece a decade in the making that captures the people of Oklahoma, our diverse terrain and indigenous trees, flowers and plants," Blackburn said.

The 215,000-square-foot research and learning center, with almost 40,000-feet of exhibit space, features an 80-foot glass atrium where a replica of the Winnie Mae, flown around the world in only eight days by Wiley Post, is suspended from the ceiling.

Other exhibits include an 1830s Red River commercial riverboat, a Civil War cannon, a Land Run covered wagon and the Gemini 6 space capsule commanded by Oklahoman Tom Stafford.

"It is wonderful to have this world-class museum open now so families and school children can explore and learn more about Oklahoma's unique and exciting history as we approach our centennial in 2007," said Blake Wade, executive director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

The Oklahoma History Center is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.