The Oklahoma Hall of Fame, founded in 1927, is well known for its annual ceremony honoring notable Oklahomans. However, the organization is much more than a hall of fame. From its inception, it has provided educational programming for all ages.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s mission is to tell the story of Oklahoma through its people. Since 2007, the Hall of Fame has been housed in the former Mid-Continent Life Insurance building in Oklahoma City, and the Gaylord-Pickens Museum opened shortly after. The museum educates the public on the Hall of Fame members and the history of Oklahoma through the perspective of some of the lives that shaped it.

The museum houses several permanent exhibits open year-round to visitors. One exhibit, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery, displays stories of the more than 700 Hall of Fame members and the current class’s portraits. Additional portraits and their subjects’ stories rotate through the Story of the Portraits exhibit.

The Hall of Fame also hosts many rotating exhibits that highlight specific state stories and Oklahomans, and the exhibits are available to view virtually.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame has educational programming designed specifically for families and educators. Their free family programs are provided year-round and include on-site arts, crafts, and story time, as well as free at-home activities for children during school breaks and holidays.

Beyond the Hall and Fame and the museum, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Publishing has been involved with the production and distribution of more than 200 titles. These stories tell the story of Oklahoma’s people, institutions, and movements, winning regional, state, and national awards. The Library Distribution Program donates copies of these titles to schools and public libraries across the state.

In further support of education, the Hall of Fame offers at least $770,000 in scholarships annually. Cash scholarships or tuition grants are available to students each spring, offering at least 10 scholarships available in all 77 counties.

The Hall of Fame’s programs and scholarships are supported by donors. Donation opportunities are available through the Oklahoma Born & Brewed annual event, held each August, for a unique tasting of Oklahoma breweries. Donations are also accepted in traditional ways. For more information, visit OklahomaHOF.com.