The new and soon-to-open First American Museum was recently featured in a piece by The Oklahoman, with the headline, “‘This project has persevered’: Get a first look at Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum.” After years of construction and planning, the museum plans to open in Oklahoma City this September. According to the museum’s website, “In one place, visitors will experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. First Americans Museum will share the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans.”
David Hornbeek, Edmond architect at Hornbleek Blatt Architects and OU Architecture alumnus, has been involved with the museum and is excited about the grand opening. In the article, he expresses the importance of telling these stories and sharing them from the tribe’s perspective. The stories throughout the museum are told from a personal perspective with interviews from current tribal members.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
