Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-OHC-2102 - Exhibits - Oklahoma History Center - Update and renew "We are Who We Were" exhibit - This project utilizes stimulus funds to address impacts from lost revenue from tourism, elevates the stories and awareness of Indigenous peoples in Oklahoma, and is a very cost effective way to update a highly successful exhibit. Supported by the incorporation of thousands of artifacts from the museum?s collections, the exhibit uses the words and perspectives of peoples from Oklahoma?s 39 tribes in their own voices.  The current gallery is the most heavily visited in the History Center with strong educational elements addressing state curriculum requirements.  A significant portion of existing infrastructure will be reused in the renovation.  Current exhibit curriculum units support and emphasize state mandated skills and impacts.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. Oklahoma City has a broad diversified economic base including aviation, aerospace, bioscience, health care, energy, manufacturing and warehousing as well as entertainment, tourism, and education. The City's population is 655,057, the largest in Oklahoma. A language other than English is spoken in 20% of the homes. The median income is $55,557, and 16% of the population lives in poverty. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. 86% of the adult population holds a high school diploma, and 31% have attained a bachelor degree or higher. 68% of the population identifies as white, 20% Hispanic or Latino, 14 Black/African American, 5% Asian, and 3% American Indian.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and staying in budget. A 10% increase in visitor interaction, programs, and site visitation.  Bus tour engagements are expected to increase as are increased merchandise sales and admission fees.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma