Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame Cuts Staff, Closes Museum

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame announced Monday that they have cut their paid staff by 50 percent, "starting immediately." The organization will close its museum and is accepting only limited bookings as an event venue.

The Muskogee-based Hall of Fame president says private and corporate donations are no longer enough to sustain operations.

"We have enjoyed national recognition, a growth in Museum visits and an expansion of music programs, yet these initiatives have never raised enough revenue to cover costs," said Jim Blair, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame president.

The organization has raised more than $700,000 over the years with a small portion of funding coming from state dollars, according to a news release.

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"To sustain full-time operations, we need the renewed help of our existing community partners, along with a plan to develop a new and growing list of financial supporters who can make a commitment for a long-term source of operating revenue," Blair said.

There are still two full-time paid employees at the Hall of Fame while two others will remain on a voluntary basis.

The organization is working to create a sustainability plan to find new revenue sources for the future.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame began honoring Oklahoma musicians in 1997. In 2003, they moved into the Frisco Freight Depot, according their website.

The Frisco Depot will continue to function as an event venue for already scheduled events and will take bookings for future events only on the weekends.

To book an event, call 918-687-0800.