NEWS
Media Contact
Alexander Mann
alexander-mann@ou.edu
(405) 325-0598
Date
NORMAN, Okla. – The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History at the University of Oklahoma recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its current building’s public opening, as well as its impact on the university, state and beyond.
The Sam Noble Museum unveiled a state-of-the-art building on May 1, 2000, transforming the way Oklahoma’s designated natural history museum preserved and studied the objects in its care. Designed to house expansive collections ranging from dinosaur fossils and Native American artifacts to biological specimens, the facility set a new standard for museums, educational institutions and research facilities in Oklahoma.
“The building was conceived as a renewed commitment to protecting the natural and cultural treasures of Oklahoma,” said Museum Director Janet Braun, Ph.D. “As we celebrated 25 years at the Sam Noble Museum, we honored the legacy of Director Emeritus Dr. Michael Mares, as well as the citizens, donors and advocates who fought so passionately to preserve the state’s history and see this building constructed. At the same time, we reaffirm our dedication to pushing the boundaries of research, student mentorship, education and community engagement into the future.”
Since its opening, more than three million visitors have marveled at its dynamic exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive educational programs, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural world.
The museum celebrated the milestone with themed Curiousidays, the institution’s signature family event series that brings hands-on activities and chances to explore the museum in all new ways. The celebrations also included special anniversary free days and giveaways such as family memberships, gift cards, t-shirts and limited-edition dinosaur piggy banks.
To learn more about the 25th anniversary celebration and read special stories from members, visit samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
A decade-long partnership between the University of Oklahoma and Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native-owned, nonprofit health care organization based in Anchorage, Alaska, has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to grow and strengthen a research workforce serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
Soami Ellis, a recent OU graduate, has become the university’s first professional helicopter major to earn a CFI rating. This milestone is made possible through a recently established School of Aviation program made in partnership with Semper Fly Helicopters in Norman.
The University of Oklahoma is experiencing a period of transformation few institutions in higher education can match – but OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. says the university’s progress is less a finish line than a foundation for what comes next.
