Oklahoma Historical Society Forced to Cut $1.8 Million from Budget

Contact: Dr. Bob Blackburn
(405) 522-5201

Oklahoma City, OK
For Immediate Release

On Wednesday the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors approved a plan for cutting $1.8 million from its budget for this fiscal year that eliminates 29.5 staff positions across the state.

"Like other state agencies, we have been stretched to the breaking point by budget cuts, revenue shortfalls, and increased expenses," said Dr. Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. "At the same time, we are doing our best to maintain the momentum and higher standards of service that we have achieved since the opening of the Oklahoma History Center in 2005."

According to Dr. Blackburn, the budget plan includes $333,474 in increased revenues, $732,999 in operational cuts, $581,496 in staff reductions, and $172,450 in six days of furlough for all OHS employees from January to June.

To partially offset the cuts in appropriations, the OHS Board voted to increase admissions at the History Center to $7 for adults and $4 for children, effective January 1, 2010. Other museums and sites may now charge admission as well.

"The loss of staff at our museums and sites across the state could get worse this spring," said Blackburn. "The ability to keep facilities operating at full strength will depend on the ability to generate additional funds either through earned income or financial support from local communities."

Of the 29.5 staff members lost thus far, 24 are in Oklahoma City.

Many of the field museums and historic sites have a staff of only one or two people, explained Blackburn. The across-the-board cut of 17.4% in many cases exceeds all operational expenditures and dips into personnel funds.

To give those facilities and communities a chance to develop a plan for replacing the lost appropriations, the OHS is temporarily reallocating previously committed construction funds to continue at full strength through April of 2010.

According to Blackburn, some facilities may be forced to seasonal hours, affiliate status with local management, or closure.

"We will be on the road for the next six months," said Blackburn, "working with local support groups and community leaders to develop plans for not only keeping these historical properties intact, but moving forward so they contribute to historic preservation and economic development through heritage tourism."