The Bristow Historical Society welcomed nearly 90 visitors Saturday morning to the Grand Opening of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street.
Mayor Kris Wyatt cut the red ribbon to welcome local, state, and federal leaders to tour the FRISCO Depot and enjoy this unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and state humanities councils.
Bristow Historical Society volunteers shared local history displays with Dr. Sunu Kodumthara, from the Oklahoma Historical Society, and representatives from Oklahoma Humanities. In addition, the Scott and Karah Peters family generously and personally shared their collection of historical documents, which perfectly complimented the exhibition.
This free of charge experience examines the nearly 250year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” “Voices and Votes” is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. The exhibition sections explore the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Kyle Hilbert, Oklahoma House Speaker Pro Tempore, shared that “The Bristow Historical Society does a phenomenal job of telling our nation’s history of democracy with a local flair with how those from Bristow have helped shape part of American history. Enjoyed visiting the bSmithsonian exhibits this weekend with my family. It is worth a visit!”
You can visit the Smithsonian Exhibition in Bristow every day of the week for FREE until July 13. The volunteer team will be ready to greet you, host your group tours, and share about the rich Bristow heritage each Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. to. 4 p.m. just off of Historic Route 66.
To book your free group tour, please call or email us to reserve your time at 918-3679335, contactus@bristowhistory.org.