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
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s project to create a family booklet is a remarkable effort to deepen our understanding of tribal heritage and lineage,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, Adair. “This grant supports the vital work of connecting present and future generations with their roots, enriching our community’s sense of identity and belonging.”
“I am extremely pleased for the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma,” said Rep. Steve Bashore, Miami. “These funds will go a long way toward preserving history that is important to our community. I am thankful to the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program for making these funds available and the work they do to help Oklahomans share their stories.”
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma received $20,000 for a project that will support the creation of a family booklet that explores tribal families through the work of a tribal genealogist, offering a deeper understanding of tribal heritage and lineage.
“Sincere thanks to the Oklahoma Historical Society for funding the Eastern Shawnee Tribe’s Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant,” said Lora Nuckolls, historical preservation director. “This grant will provide funding to conduct genealogical research of five families from the 1937-1938 Eastern Shawnee Base Roll, including the Nichols, Stand, Higbee, Flint, and Bristol families. Adding the stories of these families to the Eastern Shawnee Tribal History will unlock the history of at least 56 families who are enrolled in the Eastern Shawnee Tribe.”
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.
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