Durant, Oklahoma -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University is pleased to announce that the Semple Family Museum will soon be a reality on the Southeastern campus. This facility will serve as the new permanent home of the university's extensive Native American Art Collection, which was donated to Southeastern in 1995.

Demolition work is underway at the site of the museum on Montgomery/Dunlap Drive.

A generous gift from the Semple family has made this endeavor possible.

Frank Semple, retired executive of the energy industry, Janie Semple Umsted, local artist and Director of the Southeastern Art Gallery, and Sarah Semple Brown, Denver-based architect, were raised in Durant and are sixth-generation Oklahomans. Their parents were Dr. Allen William Semple and Jane French Semple. Upon the death of their oldest brother, Bill (Billy) in 2016, their dream of a museum became a family commitment.

The Semple family and Southeastern look forward to working together on this project, which will enrich the lives of serve students and the community for many years to come.