By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 8/18/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 8/18/2009 4:05 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY — Officials with the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum want $16.5 million to expand the Muskogee facility and create a music trail designating historical sites.
The plan was unveiled Monday at the Capitol to lawmakers, agency officials and others.
"This museum expansion is critical so that the state Music Hall of Fame and Museum can continue to offer programs and events to honor and recognize the outstanding contribution that Oklahomans have made to our music history and culture," said Max Boydstun, president of the Music Hall of Fame.
The current 2,000-square-foot facility would be expanded by 30,000 square feet, Boydstun said. The current facility is in the Frisco Freight Depot, 401 S. Third St., in Muskogee.
It would include exhibits and a children's music factory, where kids could learn how music is created and play various instruments, said Mike Martin, a board member.
The Frisco Freight Depot and a warehouse would be turned into a 14,000-square-foot facility for things such as small concerts and music classes, Boydstun said.
The museum opened in 2006 with about $150,000 in state funds, Boydstun said. Additional funding came from other sources and donations.
Of the $16.5 million, officials are seeking $12.5 million from state coffers, which have been dwindling.
Agencies have seen a series of budget cuts as a result of a decline in state revenue.
The five-year project would generate additional funds from tourism, Boydstun said.
The proposed expansion is not designed to compete with other museums, he said.
Officials plan to use about $1 million to create 100 markers designating important locations in the state's music history, such as the hometowns of Oklahoma entertainers, Boydstun said.
The music trail would be similar to markers designating historical locations across the state, he said.
Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
The plan was unveiled Monday at the Capitol to lawmakers, agency officials and others.
"This museum expansion is critical so that the state Music Hall of Fame and Museum can continue to offer programs and events to honor and recognize the outstanding contribution that Oklahomans have made to our music history and culture," said Max Boydstun, president of the Music Hall of Fame.
The current 2,000-square-foot facility would be expanded by 30,000 square feet, Boydstun said. The current facility is in the Frisco Freight Depot, 401 S. Third St., in Muskogee.
It would include exhibits and a children's music factory, where kids could learn how music is created and play various instruments, said Mike Martin, a board member.
The Frisco Freight Depot and a warehouse would be turned into a 14,000-square-foot facility for things such as small concerts and music classes, Boydstun said.
The museum opened in 2006 with about $150,000 in state funds, Boydstun said. Additional funding came from other sources and donations.
Of the $16.5 million, officials are seeking $12.5 million from state coffers, which have been dwindling.
Agencies have seen a series of budget cuts as a result of a decline in state revenue.
The five-year project would generate additional funds from
The proposed expansion is not designed to compete with other museums, he said.
Officials plan to use about $1 million to create 100 markers designating important locations in the state's music history, such as the hometowns of Oklahoma entertainers, Boydstun said.
The music trail would be similar to markers designating historical locations across the state, he said.
Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
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