First Americans Museum

[Jesseda]

address=Oklahoma River, west of Eastern
status=under construction (currently stalled)

Information & Latest News

Links

Website
Gallery

[soonerfever]

They are currently working on the site. Seems like I read that they were getting oil, gas, or water lines moved so that construction could begin. There is some foundation work as well. Go to American Indian Cultural Center Website to view pictures and for more information.

[FritterGirl]

It seems like I read about two months ago that there was a funding issue. Apparently, some Federal monies earmarked for the project were now on hold and they were uncertain whether they could be recouped.

Here's an update on where that stands in congress from NewsOK.com: article 3219493

[FritterGirl]

Here's another article about the upgrade. They are now asking for $45 million from the state.

I certainly applaud their efforts, and know the Center will be a great addition to our local museum culture, but wonder with all of those successful casinos popping up on just about every other available parcel of land, if they couldn't ask for some casino profits to help fund this. Seems like it would be a great project to take on.

[Prunepicker]

I'm all for supporting a Native American Cultural Museum. They deserve support and
should receive public funding. Not government funding. No. Public funding. Yes.

[Laramie]

I'm all for supporting a Native American Cultural Museum. They deserve support and
should receive public funding. Not government funding. No. Public funding.

If my memory serves me correctly; does the State of Oklahoma owns the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum? Eighty millions dollars is needed to complete this center. State funding would be used to match $40-million given in private donations. The museum has sat unfinished since construction began in 2006, and even critics of the project want it finished.

Amid some opposition, American Indian Cultural Center & Museum officials hope donors remain loyal to the uncompleted venue:

So far, legislators have appropriated $63 million through state bond issues, plus spending $52,000 a month for site maintenance and security as the project remains idle.

Oklahoma Gazette News: American Indian Cultural Center

More than $95 million already has been spent on the unfinished project.

Plan to complete Okla. Indian museum languishing - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[metro]

There are several other threads on this topic. Work is progressing rapidly if you haven't been by lately, I encourage you to do so. There are some funding shortages as projected and previously mentioned.

[Pete]

I am the most positive guy around but I've said from Day 1 that this project was way too ambiguous in every way: time lines, purpose, direction, and funding.

Seems like they should have only started the phases where the money was certain, rather than digging a massive hole then going to the state and asking to be given $50 million.

Unless something radical changes in the way this whole project has been handled, I don't see it ever approaching what has been promised.

[bornhere]

This same thing happened with the Cowboy Hall of Fame, although it's been mostly forgotten now. The building stood empty and unfinished for about six years before enough money was raised to complete it. But eventually it was completed.

[Doug Loudenback]

Personally, I am confident that this Center will come into place and will be one of Okc's crowning jewels. Yes, federal funding is presently an issue, but I'm confident that will be solved. If one drives by the area, it is evident that much "physical" progress has been and is being made.

[Golfer]

Personally, I am confident that this Center will come into place and will be one of Okc's crowning jewels. Yes, federal funding is presently an issue, but I'm confident that will be solved. If one drives by the area, it is evident that much "physical" progress has been and is being made.

Doug, you are right about it being a crowning jewel because a survey done in years past showed that most foreigners visiting the United States were fascinated with wanted to see stuff related to the American Indian culture.

[metro]

Same here Doug, I think this will come through in the end. If not, we can always count on you pitching in from your retirement fund!

[Doug Loudenback]

Same here Doug, I think this will come through in the end. If not, we can always count on you pitching in from your retirement fund!

As well as yourself!

[Jesseda]

I thought and still think it is a great idea to put a indian cultural center on the oklahoma river, I just wish we would have funding for things that will educate us.

[mburlison]

"......I just wish we would have funding for things that will educate us......"

You mean the lottery and remington park didn't save us? (note: sarcasm switch is 'on')

[BG918]

I know Flintco is the construction manager and site work is progressing. Anyone know a timeframe for the project?

[AICCM]

There is so much inaccurate information in this thread that I hope to dispel. First and foremost, it is not a tribal project! It is a state project! In 1994 a state agency was created with the sole purpose of developing and operating the project because there were a number of studies that demonstrated economic potential. Highlighting and maximizing one of Oklahoma's unique resources - the presence of 39 distinct nations within one state boundary. It will be an interpretive museum whose subject matter is about American Indian cultures. However, all of these new state tax revenues will go to the State of Oklahoma, not to the AICCM and not to the tribes. The tribes have participated both financially and with interpretive content. The project is adjacent to the emerging retail and entertainment district known as the Bricktown area, and builds on the synergy being created by the City’s Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) program, which is designed to create new and upgraded sports, recreation, entertainment, cultural and convention facilities in Oklahoma City. The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is a critical anchor attraction for the entire state of Oklahoma.

[Plutonic Panda]

http://www.news9.com/story/32581674/...fter-agreement

[Plutonic Panda]

It this finally moving forward? I've been in town for last week and I haven't seen any movement.

[Pete]

It this finally moving forward? I've been in town for last week and I haven't seen any movement.

Yes, they have been working on the inside for a while.

[betts]

I'll pitch in some as well. Perhaps they need a "pennies for the cultural center" drive of some such thing. That might shame someone in the state or federal government to help out.

[metro]

You asked for an update, here goes:

http://okc.gov/AgendaPub/cache/2/h1k...8125031209.PDF

Looks like Mayor Cornett is going to Washington D.C. to hear a Congressional hearing on the matter.

[mmonroe]

http://vision2025.info/includes/page...ds/05/file.pdf

Look at this PDF file for the Vision2025 drive by Tulsa, and look at number 32.

[metro]

mmonroe, I assume you mean drivel instead of drive?

[mmonroe]

rim shot included.