J.M. Davis Gun Museum asks state subcommittee for a museum educator to boost school visits and capital improvements

Randy Ramer, executive director of the J.M. Davis Gun Museum in Claremore, told a legislative subcommittee that the museum’s recovery in visitor numbers remains incomplete and that the institution needs a full‑time museum educator to restore school tours and expand educational programming.

"This is my first time here. I started the museum about just a little over 8 months ago," Ramer said, describing staff shortages and a need to rebuild school outreach. He said the museum is a "rare cultural resource" with a world‑class firearms collection that can teach Oklahoma and U.S. history, but staff limitations have reduced its ability to recruit school groups.

Ramer said the museum currently employs four full‑time staff: the director, a curator, a financial clerk and a maintenance worker, plus part‑time custodial and greeter staff. He told the committee the budget request is largely unchanged from last year but includes funding for a museum educator position. "We need, to function properly, I think more effectively, is to have a full time museum educator," he said, describing that person’s role as coordinating school visits, docent programs, lecture series and volunteer assignments.

The museum’s 2024 attendance target was just under 12,000, and recent marketing campaigns have produced early improvement, Ramer said, though he characterized current estimates as conservative. He noted digital advertising is constrained by platform rules that limit firearms‑related promotions and said the museum is exploring other channels and partnerships with tourism and the Route 66 Centennial Commission.

Ramer said the museum plans interpretive gallery renovations under a working title of "The Pen and the Sword" to position firearms within broader social and legal history. He also noted the museum intends to engage in capital fundraising, reinvigorate its nonprofit foundation and prepare special programming for the Route 66 centennial and the U.S. semiquincentennial in 2026.

Senators asked operational questions about security, outreach, volunteers and admission policy. Senator Murdock asked about museum security protocol when bringing artifacts for demonstrations; Ramer said the museum coordinates with Capitol security and law enforcement and described the process as "a very, very positive and thorough experience." Committee members suggested using school assemblies and tourism partnerships to increase outreach; Ramer said the museum is already on the Route 66 commission’s site and is applying for related grants.

The chair thanked museum representatives for the presentation and said the committee would distribute updated budget materials from the workforce commission as well. Ramer closed by thanking the committee for the opportunity to present and for the show‑and‑tell portion of the hearing.

No formal vote or action on the museum’s request occurred during the hearing.