WAYNE MCCOMBS
J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum
CLAREMORE — The economic downturn has thrown the budgets of most states into turmoil. Thankfully the state of Oklahoma has a balanced budget amendment, but that means when state income is less than anticipated the state must cut back spending to keep the budget balanced.
Claremore’s J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum took a ten per cent budget cut from fiscal year 2009 to 2010, as did many other state-supported agencies. Since July, the museum has taken a five per cent cut each month-as have many other agencies.
In the Governor’s State of the State Address on February 1, he proposed the consolidation of several state agencies. The proposal included incorporating the Will Rogers Memorial and the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum under the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Both Claremore museums strongly oppose this suggestion, as does the Oklahoma Historical Society. Both museums already operate in a highly efficient manner and to place control of the museums under a state agency would not only increase administrative costs, but it would remove local control and may be contrary to the property lease originally signed by J. M. Davis.
There are vast differences in the histories, collection methods, educational focus, and purposes of both museums.
Altering the way the museums are operated could severely jeopardize their futures.
Claremore’s two largest tourist attractions bring thousands of visitors through our city each year, increasing revenue for local businesses. The Governor’s plan would take control from the local volunteer commissions who oversee operations and give it to an agency with no ties to Claremore.
To express your opposition to the governor’s plan, write or call the governor’s office. Let your legislators know that you oppose this merger.
In the past year, the Davis Museum has hosted two open houses, opened two new displays, hosted several school, cub scout and civic organizations in tours and hosted a regional collector’s show.
In the coming weeks, the museum will be involved in many events, including a breakfast fund raiser, BB gun show and an opening a new display that will honor prominent citizens in Claremore’s history.
Now is an exciting time to join the Friends of the Museum!
Both museums welcome citizen participation. If you value these Claremore institutions, join the docent programs as a volunteer. Let’s work together to keep Claremore’s history in Claremore.
n Wayne McCombs is executive director of the J. M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum.
