Video by Christopher Hunt. Produced by Dick Pryor.

“Conversations” is a series of video interviews with Oklahomans about subjects that relate to some of the state’s important issues. The 2016-2017 series is sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation and is made possible by a grant from the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Decades from now, what will the memorial commemorating the Oklahoma City bombing mean to the city and public?

Kari Watkins, executive director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, has asked herself that question as she presses forward to sustain interest in the memorial and the tragedy, believing its larger significance will resonate for generations.

Watkins became an integral part of efforts to memorialize the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building after a friend recruited her to help the Memorial Committee deal with media relations and communications.

Support our publication

Every day we strive to produce journalism that matters — stories that strengthen accountability and transparency, provide value and resonate with readers like you.

This work is essential to a better-informed community and a healthy democracy. But it isn’t possible without your support.