The Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher is preparing to expand its quarters and its mission.

Curator Jason Harris obtained Kingfi sher County Commission approval for architect’s funding for the remodeling project last Monday, using the museum’s sales tax account.

Harris said the state-approved architect, Mass Architects, which has done numerous projects for the Oklahoma Historical Society, is already at work on plans for the project, which is expected to cost about $2 million.

The state will fund a portion of the cost with donations and grants expected to cover the balance of the cost.

Some work has been going on at the museum site even before the big projects begin, such as rehabilitating the log cabins.

The pioneer bank, church and school on the museum grounds will undergo rehabilitation, also.

Other projects planned for the museum include re-roofing the building, refreshing the exhibit areas and landscaping.

Additional rehabilitation work is also planned at the Seay Mansion, across the street from the museum, which has some structural problems that must be addressed before other rehabilitation work can be completed.

Harris said the state has assigned a new mission to the Kingfisher museum, featuring commerce, business and trade categories unique to Oklahoma.

This added feature is expected to add to the pool of prospective donors to the project, as well.

Harris said the major overhaul will require the museum to shut down for about nine months, beginning after the annual chuck-wagon dinner next October.

The re-opening is expected to occur in June or July 2021.