45th Infantry Division Museum

The 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City was established to preserve and display military items related to the history of the State of Oklahoma. It seeks to create in the visitor a sense of appreciation for the involvement of Oklahoma and its citizen soldiers in the bloodline of the United States. With 27,000 square feet of exhibit space and 15-acre Thunderbird Park, the Museum raises awareness of Oklahoma’s contribution to American history and its National Defense.

The museum’s exhibits chronicle Oklahoma’s military history since 1541. With military vehicles, firearms, uniforms, and other exhibits on display, there is much to see and appreciate here. The Reaves Collection, acquired in 1980, is one of the largest collections of US military weapons in the country, containing vehicles, firearms, and other artifacts dating to the period of the Revolutionary War in Vietnam.

The World War II gallery exhibits deal with Thunderbirds action in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. The 45th Infantry Division had a strong presence in World War II, serving 511 days and participating in 8 campaigns. The Thunderbirds also served 429 days in the Korean War and participated in 4 campaigns. The exhibits in the Korean War gallery are records of their activities from 1950 to 1953.

Thunderbird Park houses artillery and a wide range of military vehicles, including planes, tanks, and personnel carriers. The Thunderbird Monument honors members of the 45th Division who served in World War II and the Korean War, and those who continue to serve in the Oklahoma National Guard.

OKC hotels offer guests transportation services to major destinations in Oklahoma City; guests can be taken to the 45th Infantry Division Museum for an informative tour.