Press Release
August 29, 2017
Contact: Kathy Dickson
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5231
kdickson@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Oklahoma Historical Society Announces Staff Changes
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is announcing two staff changes and a positon opening this week. Andrea Holland, current director of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) in Enid, Okla., announced her retirement after 11 years with the organization. Holland joined the organization in 2006 to spearhead an oral history project, collecting the stories of the Cherokee Strip. Later Holland worked on the capital campaign to build the CSRHC, securing more than $2 million in grants for the construction and programming of the new regional center. She has served as director of the CSRHC since it opened in 2011, and during her tenure the museum has become an important educational resource and one of the most significant heritage visitor destinations in northwest Oklahoma.
Robbin Davis, director of the Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City since August 2013, will step in as director of the CSRHC beginning October 1. Davis has been with the OHS since 2005, having held several positions including director of visitor services for the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Davis brings knowledge of tourism marketing, volunteer management, retail shop management, purchasing and exhibit design to the position.
During Davis’ time as director of the Pioneer Woman Museum, attendance has jumped from 1,600 to more than 5,000 visitors per year; public programs have risen from 10 per year with 170 people attending to more than 40 programs per year and 3,000 attendees; school programs have gone from 110 attending 2 programs per year to nearly 1,000 students attending 17 programs in the last year. Davis also helped design the new entrance to the museum, which was completed in April 2016, the opening of which featured a presentation and reception for three local women who had made significant contributions to business, family and community. Several exhibits, most highlighting artifacts from the local collection, have also gone up in the last four years. Working with the local board of directors, Davis initiated the successful annual fundraising event Prairie to Palate, the proceeds of which contribute to funding the exhibits, events and educational programs at the museum.
“Ms. Davis has done an incredible job at the museum—the statistics speak for themselves. She truly will be missed. Although we are saddened to see her go, we also are excited for her appointment into this new position," stated Mary Beth Moore, chair of the Friends of the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum. "The Friends board is looking forward to assisting with the selection process. We are confident we will find the right person to continue what Robbin has done so well. She's leaving some pretty big shoes to fill, and we are grateful that she will be able to help train and mentor her replacement. We encourage anyone with the background and experience to apply for this position, as the board will continue to support the new director, staff and museum programs and exhibits," continued Moore.
Sharon Trojan, president of the CSRHC Board of Directors, said, “As we study history we are reminded that the only constant in life is change. The CSRHC has developed and grown through the seeds planted by Andi Holland's leadership, and we confidently look forward as Robbin Davis takes the reins to cultivate our future.”
Those interested in the Pioneer Woman Museum position are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume no later than September 15 to Kathy Dickson, director of museums and historic sites with the OHS. Please submit by email to kdickson@okhistory.org with the subject “PWM Director Position.”
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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