Museum History

From its modest beginnings to its current status as a cherished institution of remembrance and education, the Museum's journey mirrors the illustrious history of the Oklahoma National Guard. With a profound commitment to preserving the rich heritage of those who have served, our Museum stands as a living testament, honoring the sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women in uniform. Decades of dedication and hard work have transformed the Oklahoma National Guard Museum into an immersive experience, bringing to life the extraordinary stories of our National Guard heroes. Embark on a remarkable expedition through time as we follow the footsteps of individuals who have shaped our history and continue to inspire generations.

45th Infantry Division Museum 1965 - 2021

An Act of the Oklahoma State Legislature passed in 1965 created the 45th Infantry Division Museum and placed it under the supervision of the adjutant general for Oklahoma.

In 1974 the Lincoln Park Armory, the present site of the museum, became available and was dedicated to the museum for permanent occupancy.

This Armory was built by the Works Progress Administration, with completion in 1937. Following World War II, a brick vehicle storage building was constructed thirty feet south of the Lincoln Park Armory.

Over the years, the Armory has housed several Oklahoma Army National Guard military units, including the 45th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Its last tenant was the Oklahoma National Guard Officer Candidate School.

Under the Delegation of Authority, the Board proceeded to complete the museum, in three planned phases, and on September 27, 1976, opened the museum after completing Phase I, in the native stone Lincoln Park Armory. In the following years, Phases II and III were completed.

During this period the museum acquired, through private contributions, the Jordan B. Reaves American Military Weapons Collection and Bill Mauldin’s personal collection of his World War II cartoons. After these acquisitions, a connecting building was constructed between the Lincoln Park Armory and the brick Vehicle Storage Building, to house these two valuable collections and to put the museum in one structure.

The original grounds of the museum consisted of the two buildings on a plot of ground 300 feet by 300 feet. This area was increased by obtaining a 25-year lease from the City of Oklahoma City for adjoining ground, which gave the museum complex 15 acres. With this additional ground, a landscaped Outdoor Military Park was established, where there are now more than 60 military vehicles, tanks, aircraft and big guns displayed.

The Oklahoma National Guard Museum 2021-present

In a landmark decision, the approval for funding a new Museum was granted in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Oklahoma National Guard. With this crucial financial support, plans were set in motion to create a state-of-the-art facility that would honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Oklahoma National Guard's Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen. The new Museum, envisioned as a beacon of remembrance and education, aims to provide an immersive and engaging experience for visitors, preserving the storied legacy of those who served under the Oklahoma National Guard banner.

Building upon the foundation of its illustrious past, the Museum took another historic step forward when the Oklahoma State Legislature officially sanctioned the change of its name from the "45th Infantry Division Museum" to the "Oklahoma National Guard Museum." This renaming was an intentional move to better reflect the comprehensive history and contributions of the National Guard throughout Oklahoma's rich military heritage. The decision received overwhelming bipartisan support, solidifying the museum's position as a unifying institution for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma National Guard Museum now stands ready to embrace the future while steadfastly preserving the inspiring stories of valor, service, and dedication of the men and women who have proudly served our state and nation.