Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma and Oklahoma History Center Museum to Host Traveling Exhibition Presented by Vietnamese Boat People
August 26, 2026
Contact: Nicole Harvey
Oklahoma History Center Museum, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5202
[email protected]
okhistory.org/our-journeys
OKLAHOMA CITY — Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma (VAHCOK) and the Oklahoma History Center Museum (OHCM) are partnering to present “Our Journeys,” a powerful multimedia exhibition created by Vietnamese Boat People (VBP), on view from September 12 to January 4, 2027, at the Oklahoma History Center Museum in Oklahoma City.
Centering the voices of Vietnamese Americans, “Our Journeys” brings to life deeply personal stories of migration, memory and resilience. Through oral histories, cherished artifacts and interactive elements, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the emotional and historical threads that connect generations across the diaspora.
Since 2018, VBP has documented the untold stories of the Vietnamese refugee experience through its award-winning podcast, educational workshops and grassroots storytelling initiatives. “Our Journeys” is the culmination of this work—transforming audio into a deeply human, visual and participatory experience.
The exhibition invites visitors through a self-guided collection of personal narratives and objects contributed by storytellers—each one carrying the weight of history, loss and hope. In the final section of the show, a global map invites guests to pause and chart their own journeys of migration, weaving together a collective story of displacement and homecoming.
OHCM staff have developed an Oklahoma-specific component to the exhibition, threading a local narrative into this global story through interpretive panels and artifact cases drawn from Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese American community.
“At the heart of ‘Our Journeys’ is the belief that storytelling is both inheritance and offering,” says Tracey Nguyễn Mang, founder of VBP. “We’re thrilled to return to Oklahoma City and reconnect with the community that welcomed us so warmly in 2023. Through the exhibition, local programming and more community recordings, we hope to continue preserving and sharing the stories of Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community. ‘Our Journeys’ isn’t just about where we’ve come from—it’s about honoring the strength and resilience of refugees and immigrants around the world, and how sharing our stories can help guide others forward.”
“This partnership is especially meaningful as we mark 50 years of Vietnamese American history and honor the veterans and refugees whose sacrifices, resilience and contributions helped shape Oklahoma,” said Thuan Nguyen, president of VAHCOK. “By partnering with the Oklahoma History Center Museum, we can preserve these stories and ensure that the Vietnamese and broader Asian American experience is recognized as an important part of our state’s history for generations to come.”
“Stories recorded, preserved and handed down through the generations foster connection and understanding,” said Michaela Wegman, museum curator at the OHCM. “This exhibition gives us an opportunity to share the journeys of Vietnamese refugees and a moment of global history that is vitally important for many who have made Oklahoma City their home.”
“Our Journeys” is open to the public from September 12 to January 4, 2027, in the Sam Noble Gallery at the Oklahoma History Center Museum, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105. The museum welcomes guests Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A series of public programs and community events will accompany the exhibition, including film screenings, author talks and community recordings. For a full list of upcoming events, visit okhistory.org/our-journeys.
“Our Journeys” was made possible with generous support from the Henry Luce Foundation, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the Asian Women Giving Circle and other community donors, as acknowledged on the exhibition’s “Wall of Hope.” Local support was provided by the Asian District Cultural Association (utilizing Oklahoma County ARPA funds), Inasmuch Foundation, The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce and Quill Hawk Publishing Company.
About Vietnamese Boat People
Vietnamese Boat People (VBP) is a nonprofit organization based in Montclair NJ. Established in 2018, our mission is to amplify the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora community, educate and inspire, and foster meaningful connections. The organization’s name, Vietnamese Boat People, initially paid tribute to the millions of refugees who fled Vietnam by boat. Since then, the organization has evolved and is dedicated to supporting all stories from the Vietnamese diaspora community. Through our award-winning podcast, innovative storytelling, digital archives, and community-driven programs, we provide accessible platforms for communities to engage with these narratives. Learn more at vietnameseboatpeople.org
About the Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
About the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma
The Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma (VAHCOK) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Oklahoma’s Vietnamese American community. Founded in 1993, VAHCOK brings together Vietnamese churches, temples, community organizations, and partners to strengthen connections and celebrate our shared heritage. Our mission is to educate, connect, and preserve Vietnamese culture and heritage through community events, educational programs, and meaningful collaborations that bring people together across generations. VAHCOK is committed to preserving the history, traditions, and values of the Vietnamese American community while creating opportunities for younger generations to understand, embrace, and celebrate their heritage. Through community engagement and partnerships, we also strive to share Vietnamese culture with the broader Oklahoma community and build stronger relationships among the diverse communities and organizations that call Oklahoma home.
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