Fewer things are more rewarding than being part of a team who are dedicated to a worthy cause. Preserving a past that will enrich the future is the goal of the Jim Thorpe Association (JTA) and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As part of an organization that invests in education, charities, and civic responsibility, I am proud to have a hand in it’s recent growth.
I’m Justin Lenhart, Director and Curator of the Jim Thorpe Museum, home of the new Bud Wilkinson Event Center. I grew up in Stillwater and as someone who always enjoyed treasures of the past, I received my BA and MA in history from UCO. After college, I went to work for the Textile Museum in D.C. I enjoyed working in DC’s art community before moving back to Oklahoma. I’ve worked in large, upscale museums and operations like the Oklahoma Historical Society, and smaller high quality museums. With documents and artifacts dating as far back as 1907, the Jim Thorpe collections and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame galleries are impressive and continue to grow.
When I joined the museum in November 2008 I came on board at a time when the JTA wanted to expand and it’s been fulfilling to see those efforts come to pass. The new Bud Wilkinson Event Center reflects our vision for improvement and growth. The event center is ten thousand square feet on the second floor, seats up to 600 people, and is equipped with the latest technology for specific audio and visual needs. We can display your event and with several screens, you can broadcast a multimedia presentation. We’ve made it so easy, you can show up with nothing more than a CD, DVD, or portable computer drive. You can even program our lights and 
cue music or video without manning the equipment for a smooth event.
We partnered exclusively with the Petroleum Club to offer patrons high quality catering services and make it convenient and less expensive. Better than that, there is no rental fee for our facility when you utilize the catering services of the Petroleum Club. In case you’re wondering, there is no hidden “rental” fee in the price of the menu. Because the food is stored and prepared here with a full kitchen, the Petroleum Club can offer patrons the same reasonable prices that apply to their other locations. Diverse options allow you to budget your menu without compromising quality. If your event is booked during museum hours, your guests can tour the galleries free of charge.
Our close proximity to Brick Town and other attractions like Remington Park and Cowboy Western Heritage Museum make it even easier to take in the rich culture here in Oklahoma City. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, corporate luncheon, birthday or anniversary party, we invite you to see what we can offer you. Stop by the Jim Thorpe Museum for a tour of our collections and facility or to book your event, contact the Petroleum Club at 405-232-1184.