Press Release
May 19, 2025
Contact: Hannah Jackson
[email protected]
918-606-8721
House Bill Propels OKPOP Campaign Past the 80% Mark
TULSA, Okla.—Thanks to strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, HB2673 has expanded eligible donations and allows multiyear pledges to count toward the $18 million state match for The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP). These changes bring OKPOP fundraising efforts to $14.83 million (82%).
“This moment marks the most significant step forward we’ve had since the state first established the matching fund. It’s a turning point, the moment that takes us from theory to reality,” said Tom Evans, Interim Board Chair and Finance Committee Chair, OKPOP Foundation.
The OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) leading the fundraising efforts have $2 million in proposals currently under consideration, seeing a clear path to meeting the November deadline for the final $3.17 million.
“We’ve spent years building support for OKPOP and creating a campaign that reflects Oklahoma’s cultural legacy. With this bill now law, we have a clear path forward and the momentum we need to share that legacy with the world,” said Abby Kurin, Managing Director, OKPOP Foundation.
"The provisions of HB2673 put us in a great position to finish the fundraising campaign for OKPOP and get this world class museum on its way to opening. I am grateful to Speaker Hilbert and Sen. Hall for their leadership in getting this measure through the legislature and to Gov. Stitt for allowing it to become law. The fascinating stories of Oklahoma's musicians, writers, filmmakers, actors, and its entire creative community deserve to be told and we are well on our way to making that a reality thanks to this bill," said Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
HB2673 allows past fundraising efforts to count toward the goal. Funders include:
- City of Tulsa
- George Kaiser Family Foundation
- Tulsa Community Foundation
- Cherokee Nation
- BOKF
- Chickasaw Nation
- Ken and Jeanine Clifford
- John and Leigh Reaves
- Jim and Susannah Adelson
- Coretz Family Foundation
- David and Kim Downing
- Bob and Debbie Blackburn
- William and Maddie Sharpe
- John and Virginia Groendyke
- Scott and Gerri Petty
- Scott and Teri Hendricks
- Dennis and Marian Bires
- Tulsa County
- Logan and Donna Sharpe
- Nabholz Charitable Foundation
- Tom and Cheryl Evans
- Philip and Miranda Kaiser
- Frank Family Foundation
- Hudson Family Fund
“It’s hard to put into words what this means. For all of us who have been working behind the scenes, this moment is about more than funding, it’s about the people who have believed in this project through every twist and turn. We are almost there,” said Jacob Krumwiede, Executive Director, OKPOP Museum.
“We extend our sincere thanks to legislative champions Representative Kyle Hilbert and Senator Chuck Hall, as well as the many supporters and advocates who helped bring this bill across the finish line. We could not have done it without you,” said Krumwiede.
In addition to fundraising, the OKPOP team continues to acquire items and conduct interviews of Oklahoma pop culture icons. Once fully funded, the design and buildout phase will begin with an anticipated opening of about 24 months after funding.
About The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture
The mission of OKPOP is to inspire and empower new generations of artists, musicians and storytellers to impact the world through the powerful force of creative expression. OKPOP will highlight the incredible stories of Oklahoma creatives who have made significant contributions to music, movies, television, radio, comics, animation, literature, and beyond.
The OKPOP Foundation is currently fundraising $18 million in private donations to match the $18 million allotted by the State of Oklahoma in 2023. Following the passage of House Bill 2673 by both the House and Senate, the path to unlocking these public funds has been strengthened. The bill allows multi-year pledges and contributions dating back to May 2021 to count toward the match.
Learn more at okpop.org.
OKPOP is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. 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 okhistory.org.
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