The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
We recently connected with Oklahoma costume designer Amy Higdon for a video interview at OKPOP, exploring the creativity, research, collaboration, and cultural responsibility behind her work.
Raised near Tecumseh, Amy traced her journey from Oklahoma State University’s theater department to film and television projects including Killers of the Flower Moon, Stillwater, and Fancy Dance. She shared how her Citizen Potawatomi identity shapes the way she approaches storytelling, and how thoughtful costume design begins with deep research, strong relationships, and an understanding of the people behind the clothes.
Amy also reflected on the resourcefulness required to work within tight budgets, the many artists and technicians who make up a costume department, and the importance of staying humble throughout a creative career:
“Always be willing to sweep the floor… Recognize that it’s a team sport and a team effort.”
We’re grateful to Amy for sharing her story, her creative process, and her insight with the Oklahoma Historical Society archives and future OKPOP exhibits.
#AmyHigdon #CostumeDesign #FancyDance #OklahomaFilm @amy.higdon
Happy Birthday to Oklahoma’s own Heather Langenkamp!
Born in Tulsa, Heather became a horror icon as Nancy Thompson in A Nightmare on Elm Street. She later returned to the franchise in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, while also building a career behind the scenes in special effects.
Today, we’re celebrating her Oklahoma roots and lasting impact on horror and popular culture.
Happy Birthday, Heather! 🎂🔪🌙
#HeatherLangenkamp #ANightmareOnElmStreet #HorrorHistory @langenkamph
It was an honor to connect with Jeremy Skinner for a video interview about his father, the late, great Oklahoma songwriter, musician, and song interpreter Tom Skinner.
Jeremy reflected on Tom’s creative origin story, from growing up with church music to playing with his brothers in Santa Fe, a popular Stillwater bar band that later became the backing band for Garth Brooks before his move to Nashville. He also shared stories of Tom’s role as a mentor to generations of Oklahoma songwriters.
Through the Farm, the Wednesday Night Science Project, and countless songs shared with others, Tom helped build more than a music scene. He built a community rooted in generosity, collaboration, and the belief that a good song should be passed along.
Tom Skinner’s legacy is an essential part of the Red Dirt story, but it reaches far beyond any single genre. It is a story of Oklahoma songwriting, storytelling, musicianship, mentorship, and the lasting power of bringing people together through music.
We’re grateful to Jeremy for helping us preserve and share it. #tomskinner #oklahomamusic #reddirt @jlawesomest @tomskinnermusic @tomskinners_scienceproject
Happy SpongeBob Day! 🍍🧽🌊
July 14 marks SpongeBob SquarePants’ birthday, and today we’re celebrating Stephen Hillenburg, the Oklahoma-born creator who brought Bikini Bottom to life.
Born at Fort Sill in Lawton, Hillenburg combined his love of marine biology, art, and animation to create a world that has inspired laughter, imagination, and plenty of nautical nonsense for generations.
From the OKPOP vault, here are a few selections of concept art from the show, offering a glimpse into the creativity behind one of pop culture’s most beloved characters.
#SpongeBobDay #StephenHillenburg #SpongeBobSquarePants #OklahomaPopCulture #OKPOP
Some voices don’t just sing songs. They sing truth.
Jimmy LaFave carried the spirit of Oklahoma wherever he went, blending folk, rock, and Red Dirt into music that was honest, soulful, and deeply human. A devoted interpreter of Woody Guthrie’s work, Jimmy often said, “Bob Dylan and Woody are my two main touchstones for me.” Those influences echoed throughout a career that helped shape generations of songwriters.
Over a decade ago, OKPOP had the privilege of sitting down with Jimmy to preserve his story for the Oklahoma state archive. Looking back on his life in music, he reflected, “It’s been a really rich musical life… My favorite things have just been picking in the parking lot… or just being with my band playing a gig somewhere.” It was a simple reminder that, for Jimmy, the greatest moments weren’t always the biggest stages. They were the friendships, the songs, and the shared love of making music.
Jimmy also spoke with deep pride about Oklahoma’s creative community, the Red Dirt movement, and mentors like Bob Childers, whose songwriting circle inspired countless artists. He understood that music wasn’t just about performance. It was about lifting others up and leaving something meaningful behind.
Today, we remember Jimmy LaFave and celebrate a life devoted to songs, storytelling, and the enduring power of community. His voice continues to inspire, and we’re honored to help preserve it for future generations.
#OKPOP #JimmyLaFave #RedDirt #OklahomaMusic #OralHistory @jimmylafaveofficial
Every movie stunt tells two stories.
One happens on screen. The other happens behind the scenes, where preparation, precision, and trust make the impossible look effortless.
We recently welcomed Oklahoma stunt performer and stunt coordinator Jon Bielich to OKPOP to record an oral history interview for the Oklahoma state archive. From doubling actors in major productions like Killers of the Flower Moon to helping shape Oklahoma’s growing film industry, Jon shared the craft, discipline, and teamwork behind a career built on keeping others safe while bringing stories to life.
As Jon put it:
“Hope’s not a strategy. You want to be certain about everything, so the more you train, the more you know, the more you work at it, the safer everybody is, including yourself.”
At OKPOP, we’re proud to preserve the stories of the people whose work often happens just outside the spotlight, but whose contributions are essential to the magic of film.
Thank you, Jon, for helping us preserve your story for future generations.
#OKPOP #OklahomaFilm #StuntPerformer #OralHistory #OklahomaCreatives @okcjb
Remembering Jerry Nelson
Today we celebrate the birthday of Oklahoma native Jerry Nelson, one of the most beloved performers in puppetry history.
From bringing Count von Count, Gobo Fraggle, Robin the Frog, and countless other unforgettable characters to life, Jerry helped shape generations of childhoods through warmth, humor, music, and extraordinary imagination. His performances reminded us that behind every memorable character is a storyteller with heart.
At OKPOP, we’re honored to preserve and share part of Jerry’s creative legacy through the Jerry Nelson Archive, helping ensure his remarkable contributions to popular culture continue to inspire future generations of artists, performers, and dreamers.
Happy Birthday, Jerry. Thank you for the joy, wonder, and stories that continue to bring smiles to people around the world.
#JerryNelson #FraggleRock #TheMuppets #OKPOPMuseum #OklahomaCreators
Today we remember Oklahoma music pioneer Joe Liggins, whose infectious blend of jump blues, swing, rhythm & blues, and boogie-woogie helped lay the foundation for the sound of early rock and roll.
Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, Liggins rose to national fame with his band, The Honeydrippers, creating some of the biggest rhythm and blues hits of the 1940s. Their 1945 recording “The Honeydripper” spent an extraordinary 18 weeks at No. 1 on the R&B charts, while “Cadillac Boogie” is considered by many to be one of the first rock and roll songs, helping shape the sound of a new musical era.
From Oklahoma to dance halls and jukeboxes across America, Joe Liggins proved that music rooted in joy, groove, and innovation could change popular culture.
His music opened doors for generations of artists, and his legacy continues to echo through the history of American music.
#JoeLiggins #OklahomaMusic #RhythmAndBlues #OKPOP #OklahomaHistory
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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