Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Harley Richard Cottingham, a special agent with the Defense Security Service, was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. He loved working on his Christmas tree farm in Murray, Nebraska, where he planted 500 trees just two days before his death. #FromTheArchives

The Fence surrounding the footprint of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building became a place for those who were killed in the Oklahoma City bombing to be remembered, especially during the holiday season. In 1997, Wanda Adkins made Christmas stockings with Santa Claus’ face as her act of remembrance. These stockings are preserved in the Memorial Archives. #FromTheArchives

Over 250 Future Business Leaders of America representatives from five states recently gathered in Oklahoma City for the Learn to Lead event. Their trip included a powerful visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, where they honored those who were killed in the bombing with a wreath-laying ceremony. Through their time at the Memorial, these young leaders embraced the Oklahoma Standard of service, honor, and kindness — values that continue to inspire.

This sleigh sent from Brevard County, Florida was presented to Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick’s office for the first Christmas after the bombing. Each year to celebrate the holiday season, every year the sleigh is moved from the Oklahoma City National Memorial Archives to the Memorial Museum’s lobby for all to appreciate. Just as the city did in December 1995, poinsettias are placed in and around the sleigh. #FromTheArchives

Happy Thanksgiving from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum! We’re feeling especially thankful for the support of our visitors, employees, volunteers and everyone who helps us share this powerful story. The Museum is closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 9am!

Philip Sternberg, a retired First Sergeant wounded in the Vietnam War, was among many who wrote to Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating following the Oklahoma City bombing. Sternberg sent his Purple Heart "for all the babies and people who lost their lives." His letter and Purple Heart are preserved in the Memorial Archives. #FromTheArchives

This Veterans Day, we honor all veterans, including those affected by the Oklahoma City bombing. Capt. Laurence S. Martin of the U.S. Army survived the attack while working in the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He was hospitalized for his injuries. After his passing in 1998, his coworker, Vicki Hamm, donated his dress uniform to the Memorial Archives. #FromTheArchives

On November 4, 1999, the Oklahoma City National Memorial launched the 168 Days Campaign as part of the final fundraising leading up to the dedication of the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial on April 19, 2000. Each day, the campaign remembered one person who was killed. The Memorial now has the 168 Days of Remembrance, dedicating each day leading to the anniversary to remembering those who were killed, honoring those who survived and showing gratitude to the rescue workers and first responders. #FromTheArchives

In honor of National First Responders Day, ALL first responders get FREE admission to the Museum today! We’re also excited to have a few Oklahoma City Thunder players in the building from 2:30-3:30pm, so come on by to meet the athletes representing our community. Following the Oklahoma City bombing, the Myriad Convention Center turned into a disaster relief center, where volunteers provided first responders with hot meals, sleeping arrangements, medical care and much more. Many cards, letters, and signs were delivered to the Myriad to encourage and thank first responders, including this one. #FromTheArchives

The groundbreaking for the Oklahoma City National Memorial happened on this day in 1998. Family members, survivors, first responders, dignitaries and members of the community gathered at the bombing site to turn over earth on the footprint where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood. Shovels used at the groundbreaking are preserved by the Memorial Archives. #FromTheArchives