Fred Rogers once shared a lesson from his mother that has brought comfort to many, including my family, during dark times: “If you look for the helpers, you’ll know there is hope.” His compassionate reminder to intentionally find those doing good was at the forefront of my mind when I first visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and again recently as I visited with my youngest son on his first visit to the museum.
After watching some news coverage about the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, my history-loving 12-year-old started asking questions about what happened. I shared my personal experience and memories of that day, and he began his own research into what happened. As his interest grew, I knew it was time to take him to the museum — and to prepare him for the emotional weight of what he would encounter.
We started our day with a special breakfast. In our family, some of the best conversations happen over a shared meal or during a drive, and I wanted to give him space to ask questions, share thoughts and prepare himself emotionally. He shared about the things he had learned and I talked about the hard things we’d see.
When I asked for advice about bringing kids to the museum, Stephen Evans, the museum’s director of education and public programming, offered this insight: “Give yourself and your kids permission to be sad. It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed.”
The museum and memorial grounds include places for reflection, giving guests space to process what they’ve seen and felt.
“The galleries don’t shy away from the impact of violence. The museum may challenge you; you might be surprised how you are impacted emotionally,” he said.
Evans shared that museum guests are welcome to enter and leave as needed, so you can step away to take a break if needed. Admission is good throughout the day of purchase.
The self-guided tour allowed us to move through each space at our own pace. In some parts, we spent lots of time reading and exploring the artifacts, and other times we quietly looked at pictures. Interactive elements throughout the museum offered an emotional break from the heaviness of what we were seeing. One thing we both noted was the somber way visitors of all ages moved through the galleries, which was a bit different from the typical museum experience kids might be used to. I don’t recall hearing many conversations happening around us. Most were reading and listening to the first-hand accounts of survivors, reporters and first responders.
My son wanted to understand why someone would choose to do something so awful, and that was a very hard question to answer. We both found comfort in learning how government agencies have changed as a result of what they learned in the aftermath.
Many kids are first introduced to the memorial and museum through the Kids Marathon. The Why We Run curriculum highlights 16 character traits and a word of the week leading up to the Run to Remember, happening this year on April 25-27. These important life lessons help kids feel empowered.
“Kids often want a way to channel their feelings into action. They want to do something,” Evans said.
Whether leaving a note on the remembrance wall, volunteering in the community or learning more about the helpers from that day, kids can connect in a variety of meaningful ways.
“People chose to be a source of light that day. That is an important message we can all apply to our lives,” Evans offered. “Visiting the museum reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts from hate and also tending to those around us.
“It is impossible to prevent tragedy, but we can move the needle as a community if we learn from the past and let that shape how we live our lives.”
The museum also offers programming for kids in 4th grade and up in its Uncover-Discover STEM Lab, which is typically open to school groups. During the summer, the museum will host family events that explore different STEM principles connected to the investigation, emergency response and more. Dates aren’t set yet, but the events are typically held in late July or early August.
The museum offers free admission on April 19, Cox Community Day, and the 30th anniversary remembrance ceremony.
To plan your family’s visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum or learn more about upcoming events, visit memorialmuseum.com.
