Press Release
April 1, 2024
Contact: Nicole Harvey
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5202
nicole.harvey@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/grants
Chelsea Area Historical Society Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Chelsea Area Historical Society has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“The Chelsea Area Historical Society’s grant to develop a strategic plan marks a promising step towards ensuring our history is preserved and shared thoughtfully,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, Adair. “This planning is crucial for guiding future efforts to celebrate and protect our local heritage.”
“Chelsea and its surrounding communities have a rich history of farming, oil and resiliency,” said Rep. Rusty Cornwell, Vinita. “I’m glad the Chelsea Area Historical Society will receive this grant toward planning for the long-term preservation of the documents, artifacts, and sites that tell the story of northeastern Oklahoma.”
Chelsea Area Historical Society received $4,500 to help with the creation of a strategic plan utilizing a facilitator. This long-range planning will help to facilitate growth opportunities and prioritize the commitment of resources.
“Chelsea Area Historical Society is very pleased to receive this grant from the Oklahoma Historical Society,” said David Anderson, president. “The society is restoring a 1904 bank to house our history museum. These funds will be used to update our strategic plan that is needed to guide this effort.”
The OHS will distribute over $520,000 in grant funds, with projects ranging from collections care and strategic planning to exhibit development and educational programming.
“Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, we’re not just funding projects; we’re investing in the preservation of Oklahoma’s rich and dynamic history,” said Nicole Harvey, director of strategic initiatives for the Oklahoma Historical Society. “These grants empower communities across the state to uphold their heritage for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Oklahoma continue to inspire and educate for years to come.”
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society to encourage 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 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 okhistory.org.
