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Stillwater History Museum highlights K12 program, 22,000-item collection and need for digitization
Summary
Museum director Katerina de Araujo told the City Council on May 5 that the Stillwater History Museum runs a large K-12 education program, holds more than 22,000 cataloged objects and seeks technology upgrades to digitize collections and expand access.
Katerina de Araujo, director of the Stillwater History Museum, told the City Council May 5 that the museum operates a wide range of educational programs, including a third-grade program tied to state standards, and maintains more than 22,000 objects in its collections that staff and volunteers preserve.
De Araujo described the museums work in intergenerational programming, partnerships with Oklahoma State University and local schools, and community events such as Heritage Day and a summer concert series. She said the museum serves K-12 students through a program called "How Oklahoma Began," which aligns with third-grade standards and brings area third graders to the museum for hands-on activities.
De Araujo said volunteers provide substantial support and that the museum logged nearly 1,000 volunteer hours last year, noting that number may be undercounted because volunteers do not always submit timesheets. She said the museum partners with local organizations, has hosted events for the Red Dirt Film Festival and community fundraisers, and works within the city's Cultural District.
De Araujo asked the council to support efforts to make the collections more accessible online, saying digitization would require updated technology and more storage capacity. She also said the museum hopes to use upstairs rental space in its auditorium area to display more of its collection.
Mayor William Joyce and other council members praised the museums educational role and community partnerships and encouraged de Araujos digitization plans; no formal action or funding decision was taken May 5.
Quotes: "Our mission is to illuminate, preserve, and celebrate the diverse collective history of Stillwater," de Araujo said. She added that viewing artifacts "deepened my understanding of the harsh realities of World War I," quoting a student response to a class visit.
Ending: The council received the museum report and expressed support; the museum will pursue digitization and continue partnership activities while seeking resources for technology upgrades.
