Press Release
March 17, 2022
Contact: Nicole Harvey
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5202
nharvey@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/grants
Oklahoma Genealogical Society Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma Genealogical Society has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“I’m so happy to hear the important historical work of the Oklahoma Genealogical Society is being recognized and expanded through this grant program,” said Sen. Carri Hicks, Oklahoma City. “This grant will enable the OGS to continue helping Oklahomans track their genealogy and preserve important parts of Oklahoma’s history for many more generations.”
“For Oklahoma to move forward as a state, we must first embrace our history,” said Rep. Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City. “I am proud to have the Oklahoma Genealogical Society in House District 85. Their effort to preserve Oklahoma’s history is invaluable to our community. I appreciate the Oklahoma Historical Society for recognizing this organization’s contributions to Oklahoma.”
The Oklahoma Genealogical Society has been awarded $3,165 for a project titled “OGS Development of Hybrid Educational Programs on Oklahoma Genealogical and Historical Collections,” which will fund the development of a hybrid (in-person and/or online) educational program that will promote the different Oklahoma-based collections maintained by the Oklahoma Genealogical Society. To accomplish this, the OGS will need a new projector for off-site presentations, subscription to an online virtual platform and a printed publication that defines the collections and how to gain full access to the databases.
“Oklahoma Genealogical Society is pleased and proud to be awarded an Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant,” said Mike Birdson, board president. “OGS will continue to work hard on the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history.”
The total amount of funds that will be distributed this year is just over $558,000, with projects ranging from collections care and strategic planning to exhibit development and educational programming. “Entering our third year of the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, the OHS is thrilled with the program’s success,” said Nicole Harvey, director of strategic initiatives and grants administrator for the OHS. “To date, the program has funded over 120 projects that are aiding with collecting, preserving and sharing Oklahoma history for local communities across the state.”
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits and programming. Applications for this annual program open in the fall and award announcements are made in January. For more information visit www.okhistory.org/grants.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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