There have been layoffs at the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, which has not yet opened.
Employees confirmed the news in social media posts. Among them was OKPOP Museum Production Manager Garrett Weindorf, who said in a Facebook post that the Oklahoma Historical Society is “laying off almost all OKPOP staff, including myself.”
Weindorf continued, “It was a dream job for me and I am truly heartbroken. I am proud of the work our small but passionate team has accomplished over the past few years. It has truly been a labor of love. I am grateful for the many friendships I have made, not only with my amazing coworkers, but with all the good people who have been kind enough to share their stories with us. It has been an honor and a joy to collect, preserve and share these pieces of Oklahoma’s amazing pop culture history.”
What does this mean for the future of the embattled museum? OHS is expected to release a statement about the layoffs on Monday.
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OKPOP employee Joey Duffy also shared the layoff news on social media, saying OHS was laying off “most of the OKPOP team,” including himself.
“I’m heartbroken, especially because the last two years have been so incredible,” Duffy said in a Facebook post. “Most people are never lucky enough to be able to make a living doing something they love, but I’ve been able to spend so much time championing Oklahoma music and musicians. I’ve been privileged to work with some of the best, kindest, most passionate people and I’m so devastated that we won’t be able to make it to the end. I will always be grateful for the experiences and adventures we’ve been able to have. I love each and every one of you.”
Duffy is co-lead singer of the Tulsa-based band Cliffdiver.
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