Pop to it: OKPOP’s New Director Familiar with Sooner State History
Named executive director of OKPOP Museum in September, Jake Krumwiede is no stranger to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the state agency that manages the forthcoming museum.
The Claremore native started his career with OHS as a volunteer in 2003 and later as an intern at Claremore’s Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where he eventually became assistant director. Most recently, he served four years as executive director of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid.
What is the vision for the museum?
It’s exploring Oklahoma’s influence on popular culture by exploring the idea of creativity. And so in some ways this is a museum of creativity, as well. Everything that we do with the exhibits we’re building, from the time people walk through that door, is to inspire. We want to make people feel like they can achieve the things that all these great Oklahomans have done.
What inspired you to make this your life’s path and to share Oklahoma history with other people?
I think the best way to say it is that Oklahoma’s history is complicated. There are parts of our shared history that are inspirational, and there are parts that are challenging, too. So the better we all understand our story, the better we can progress. We all want to make the world a better place. This is how I help do it.
What are your favorite things to do in Tulsa?
Music has always been the thing that I’ve loved about Tulsa. I grew up in this Tulsa area going to different local music shows since I was 15 years old — gosh, even younger. I had the great pleasure of seeing John Moreland play at the age of 15 to a room of about five people. It was such a great experience growing up in this area and hearing the music I got to hear when I was younger. Music is a big deal to me, and Tulsa has always been a good place to experience it.
Source: Tulsa People Magazine
