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The Oklahoma History Center will open a new exhibit Tierra de mi Familia:Oklahoma, on Saturday, November 22, 2008. The exhibit will present the story of Latino immigration to Oklahoma from territorial times to the present day. Tierra de mi Familia will continue to be on display through 2010 inside the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

Benjamin Clark, Susan Berberet and David Davis of the Oklahoma Museum of History staff developed the exhibit in collaboration with many community organizations and individuals around the state.

A good example of the personal nature of the exhibit, says Clark, is "the Martinez family, who have lived in Oklahoma City since the early 1920s. They shared one of the many interesting stories we have heard for this exhibit. Fleeing from Pancho Villa and the violence of the revolution in Mexico, Gregorio and Dominga Martinez made their way to Oklahoma City after a short time in Lawton."

Along with personal stories, the exhibit will present artifacts that individuals brought with them to Oklahoma. Examples include such items as traditional food preparation tools, musical instruments, and traditional clothing, as well as artifacts from the museum's collections.

The title of this exhibit, Tierra de mi Familia: Oklahoma, was inspired by the title of a pen-and-ink piece by local artist Bernie Martinez. "Oklahoma has become the adopted land of many families, and as we grow toward our future, we can learn the fascinating stories that brought us here," noted Clark.

For more information contact Ben Clark at (405) 522-0793, Susan Berberet at (405) 522-0788, or David Davis at (405) 522-0780.