Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-OHC-2105 - Exhibits - Oklahoma History Center - Create an exhibit on Aviation in Oklahoma - The exhibit will explore the extensive and surprising history of flight in the state through the diverse stories of over 100 years of Oklahoma aviators.  Included will be the stories, development, and economic impact of airports across the state as well as the far-reaching impact that the FAA and its many programs has in the state and the world.  This exhibit is intended to function as an introduction to the recently completed ?Oklahomans and Space? exhibit.

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 10% increase in visitor interaction, programs, and site visitation, 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