Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-OHC-2106 - Exhibits - Oklahoma History Center - Red River Journey Restoration and Enhancement - The outdoor exhibits at the History Center are over 15-years old and require updates and refurbishment. The incorporation of active play and learning activities, supportive of state curriculum guidelines, will create higher visitation and family engagement while also increasing the visibility and access to related programs at the History Center. This element will enhance the use of the outdoor park area and improve tourist curb appeal for the facility. 

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 tracking earned income at the site. A 20% increase in visitor interaction, associated programs, and site visitation, and admissions revenues. 

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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