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
Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“It is a great honor for the Oklahoma Historical Society to give a grant to the Memorial Foundation in Yale, Oklahoma,” said Rep. John Talley, Stillwater. “To me, Jim Thorpe is the greatest athlete to ever live. His accomplishments bring great honor to his tribe and the state of Oklahoma.”
The Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation received $4,500 for a project titled “Development of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan,” which will assist the foundation in addressing financial, administrative, and leadership strengths and weaknesses. Developing a strategic plan will enable advances in a revamped and strengthened mission.
“We at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation recognize this grant’s impact on small museums like ours,” said Anita Thorpe, vice president. “We strive to reach new levels by promoting tourism and economic development to rural communities, like Yale, through education and preservation of historic landmarks like the home of the Legendary Jim Thorpe. An American Indian who crossed numerous barriers to achieve the impossible and inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to find the champion within themselves.”
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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