A Day of Darkness. Years of Light. Decade Three, 2016-2025
This story is told in three decades – as we experience A Day of Darkness and look toward Years of Light. Conclude here with decade three.
STEM Lab opens
In 2016, the Inasmuch Uncover-Discover STEM Lab opens to teach students about the Oklahoma City bombing using STEM concepts, including forensic science used in the investigation. Designed for middle and high schoolers, it offers an engaging, academic experience.
Memorial connects with communities experiencing terrorism
The Memorial remains a place where communities impacted by terrorism and violence find hope and learn how Oklahoma City chose to honor its victims. Staff and stakeholders share their experience globally to support others in the memorialization process.
Pulse Nightclub Sign on Fence (2016-06-15) by Oklahoma City National Memorial & MuseumOklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Visitors place a sign in honor of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida on the Fence portion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (2016).
Reverend Gilbert X. Martinez (2022-02) by Oklahoma City National Memorial & MuseumOklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
The family of Reverend Gilbert X. Martinez, who was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing, adds this tribute to victims of the violence in Ukraine to the Fence portion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum (2022, collected 2023).
Called2Change Augmented Reality educational tool launches
In 2018, the Memorial launches Called2Change, an augmented reality program that allows students to learn from their classrooms. Using tablets, they interact with 3D buildings and videos, gaining a deeper understanding of the bombing and its aftermath.
Called2Change Van (2018-09-20) by Lauren LongOklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum staff loads Called2Change Augmented Reality equipment into van after students at U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City use the technology to learn about the bombing (2018).
Clone of Survivor Tree planted in Scissortail Park
In 2019, the Memorial plants a clone of the Survivor Tree at Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park. Grown in the backyard of founding chairman Bob Johnson, the clone serves as a living backup to ensure the tree’s legacy and symbol of resilience endures for future generations.
Day One Luncheon
The Day One Luncheon launches in 2019 to begin the 168 Days of Remembrance leading up to the 25th Anniversary of the bombing. Each day remembers one of the 168 killed, honors survivors, and thanks first responders. It becomes an annual fundraising event.
Jon Meecham at Day One Luncheon (2019-11-04) by Oklahoma City National Memorial & MuseumOklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
In 2019, guests at the Day One Luncheon hear from historian Jon Meecham, New York Times Bestseller and Pulitzer Prize–winning author. He speaks about why remembering is important and how hope overcomes division.
Oklahoma City Thunder uniform for the 25th anniversary
To mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing, the Oklahoma City Thunder unveils a new City Edition Uniform honoring those changed forever on April 19, 1995. The Thunder’s global reach helps the Memorial share the story with a new generation unfamiliar with the tragedy.
Memorial Archives collect items left on the Fence and Chairs
Family members, survivors, first responders, and visitors leave items on the Fence and Chairs to remember those killed. The Memorial Archives thoughtfully collects and stores these items.
Outreach program to visit all 77 counties in Oklahoma
Supported by the state legislature, the Memorial & Museum launches the “Journey of Hope,” a 30th-anniversary education program visiting schools in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Students hear firsthand stories from family members, first responders, survivors, or journalists.
Journey of Hope | Pioneer High School
Journey of Hope visits Pioneer High School in Garfield County, where students hear from journalist Bryan Painter (2024).
Journey of Hope | Guthrie High School
The Journey of Hope visits Guthrie High School in Logan County, where students hear from family members Kathleen Treanor and Ronnie Fields (2024).
Former President Bill Clinton speaks at Remembrance Ceremony
To mark the 30th anniversary of the bombing, former President Bill Clinton speaks at the Remembrance Ceremony, honoring the promise he made decades earlier to stand with Oklahoma City in remembrance, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
Derwin W. Miller's Chair (2025-04-19) by Oklahoma City National Memorial & MuseumOklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Items are left on the Empty Chair for Derwin W. Miller at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, after the Remembrance Ceremony on April 19, 2025.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon celebrates 25th anniversary
A record 26,000 runners participate in the 2025 Memorial Marathon, including runners from all 50 states and 17 countries. For the race’s 25th anniversary, the Memorial Marathon introduces a Quarter Marathon to include more participants.
Looking to the future with Foreword
In 2025, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum announces “Foreword,” a 12,000-square-foot expansion with a new lobby, Civics Lab, and orientation theater. This enhancement will welcome more visitors and provide even more engaging educational experiences.
Oklahoma City Thunder Parade proceeds past the Memorial
In 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder wins the NBA Finals two months after the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Their parade winds down Harvey Avenue, passing the Memorial—a powerful symbol that the community moves forward while never forgetting its past.
Return to Decade One: 1995-2005
Return to Decade Two: 2006-2015
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.