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Museum of the Great Plains trust authority outlines 5–10–20 year plan emphasizing digital exhibits and outreach
Summary
Newly elected trust authority president presented multi-decade strategy focused on digital enhancements, expanded education and community partnerships, fundraising and increased accessibility. The museum is accredited and seeking to grow admissions, grants and program revenue.
The Museum of the Great Plains Trust Authority presented a strategic update to the City Council outlining a 5-, 10- and 20-year plan that emphasizes digital experiences, expanded educational programming and long-term funding strategies.
Rhonda Norell, introduced as the incoming trust authority president, described plans to develop immersive digital exhibits, virtual tours, online educational resources and interactive learning tools to reach diverse age groups. The trust authority said it will work to align programming with school curricula, expand outreach to schools and community centers, and pursue new partnerships and grant sources, including developing an endowment or foundation to strengthen long-term financial stability.
Norell said the museum is one of 14 Oklahoma museums accredited in the state and the only accredited museum in Southwest Oklahoma; the trust authority provided peer comparisons and said the museum catalogs roughly 50,000 items, most of which are in storage and are being gradually digitized for public access. Assistant Director and archivist Ian Swart said staff added about 30,000 photographic assets to the museum’s public portal in the past year and are working to add more material to the searchable online archive.
The trust authority asked for continued collaboration with city staff, possible amendments to the trust indenture and regular reporting to council. Trustees also identified the need for board training, a long-range planning committee with city and county members, and marketing partnerships with the Chamber and local non-profits. Council members responded with praise and recommended regular updates.
Ending: Council accepted the update; no formal action was required. Trustees said work is ongoing to finalize grant applications and to plan a phased capital and programmatic rollout.
