Ground Broken For New History Museum

Broken Arrow residents are hoping the city's past will help launch it into the future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday for a brand new historical museum. The president of the historical

Monday, April 9th 2007, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

Broken Arrow residents are hoping the city's past will help launch it into the future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday for a brand new historical museum. The president of the historical society, Dr. Gary Gerber says the museum is just one of the many projects planned to help revitalize downtown Broken Arrow. And although the project will focus on the past, Dr. Gerber hopes it really boosts the community's future. He says the museum at 302 South Main, should be completed in about a year and a half.

When the new facility is done, the historical society will move the items from the current building into the new 9,000 square foot museum. The museum will have 10-themed exhibits highlighting Broken Arrow's Creek tribal history, veterans, all the way up to the present.

Dr. Gerber says the museum along with other future projects like a multipurpose pavilion and farmers market will change the community's future. "It's going to be a beautiful community and what we're hoping is to make it a focal point downtown to draw people in downtown and have some things for them to do."

Dr. Gerber says construction on the building will cost nearly $2 million with most of the money coming from a bond issue. Dr. Gerber says fundraising isn't over yet. The historical society still needs about $500,000 for furniture and other items.