City of Tulsa, Museum of Tulsa History Launch Rotating Exhibit in City Hall

City of Tulsa, Museum of Tulsa History Launch Rotating Exhibit in City Hall

1/7/2026

Visitors to Tulsa City Hall will now have a unique opportunity to explore Tulsa's history in a new way.

The City of Tulsa, in partnership with the Museum of Tulsa History, has launched a rotating exhibit located in the hallway outside the City Council Chambers. The exhibit highlights fascinating artifacts and stories from Tulsa's past, providing visitors, whether attending City Hall business or public meetings, a glimpse into Tulsa's past.

First Exhibit: John H. Williams and the National Order of the Condor of the Andes

The inaugural display features a piece from the Museum of Tulsa History's permanent collection: the National Order of the Condor of the Andes, a state decoration from Bolivia awarded to John H. Williams of Tulsa in 1956. Presented by Bolivian President Angel Victor Paz Estenssoro, the medal recognized Williams' role in building oil pipelines that advanced Bolivia's economy and strengthened international trade.

John H. Williams (1918-2013) was a leader both in business and civic life. As president of the Williams Companies, he helped grow the company into a national energy powerhouse. Williams was also deeply involved in Tulsa's community, supporting the creation of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, serving on boards for Philbrook Art Museum and Gilcrease Museum, and participating in civic organizations including the Salvation Army. His accolades include induction into the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and the Tulsa Hall of Fame.

The medal, featuring a golden condor clutching a medal in its talons and suspended from an olive ribbon, is protected under glass in a display frame for visitors to view. The Museum of Tulsa History notes that this artifact represents the far-reaching influence of Tulsa's people and industries on the world stage.

"We are proud to partner with the Museum of Tulsa History to bring this rotating exhibit to City Hall," Mayor Monroe Nichols said. "It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone visiting to pause and reflect on the people and events that have shaped our city and contributed to our community."

David Goldenberg, CEO of the Museum of Tulsa History, said: "The Museum of Tulsa History is thrilled to partner with the City of Tulsa and make available to our citizens, as well as guests, an opportunity to learn about our history. The exhibit case will change each month. We will share the events and people who created the past and helped shape the future of Tulsa. We are Tulsa's museum and ours is a public purpose to ILLUMINATE THE PAST, ENRICH THE PRESENT and INSPIRE THE FUTURE."

About the Rotating Exhibit

The hallway exhibit at City Hall will feature rotating displays, with new artifacts and stories introduced monthly. This initiative allows the Museum to share its collection with residents, visitors, and City officials, celebrating the people, industries, and events that have shaped Tulsa.

For more information on the Museum of Tulsa History, visit: https://tulsahistory.org/