Press Release
June 17, 2024
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
jessica.brogdon@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org
Bill Establishing Revolving Fund for Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture Signed by Governor
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill that establishes a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) in downtown Tulsa was signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on June 14. The Oklahoma Senate passed it on May 28, and the Oklahoma House passed it on May 30.
Senate Bill 1155 establishes a fund to hold $18 million set aside by lawmakers last session until matching funds are raised. The bill is authored by Sen. Chuck Hall (R-Perry), Sen. Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City), Rep. Kevin Wallace (R-Wellston) and Rep. Trey Caldwell (R-Lawton). The bill will take effect on July 1.
“This is an important day for OKPOP,” said Jake Krumwiede, museum director. “We appreciate the support of the House, the Senate and Gov. Stitt for passing the final piece of legislation that gets us a giant step closer to completing a world-class museum that will share stories of the Oklahomans who have impacted pop culture around the world.”
The combined total of $36 million will cover the costs to complete the museum’s interior, which includes the exhibits and all other elements of a visitor’s experience. Once the exhibit designs are confirmed and vendors are in place, it is estimated that exhibit construction will take 18-24 months to complete.
The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture is in the downtown Tulsa Arts District, across from the historic Cain’s Ballroom. The museum will showcase countless Oklahoma creatives who have impacted the worlds of music, movies, television, radio, comics, animation, literature, and more. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling, OKPOP hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of Oklahoma creatives.
OKPOP has recently acquired donations from the families of actor Tony Randall, country music artist Mel McDaniel, songwriter/producer Norman Dolph, Bluegrass musician Sally Ann Forrester, comic book writer/editor/artist Archie Goodwin and Muppets puppeteer Jerry Nelson.
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 www.okhistory.org.
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