Press Release
April 25, 2025
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Eastern Oklahoma Library System Awarded $25,000 for Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Project
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is pleased to announce that the Eastern Oklahoma Library System has been awarded $25,000 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This funding will support digitizing and preserving the Muskogee Public Library’s collection of the Muskogee Phoenix from microfilm onto the Oklahoma Historical Society’s The Gateway to Oklahoma History.
“I am proud to see the Eastern Oklahoma Library System receive this significant funding through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program,” stated Sen. Avery Frix, Muskogee. “This grant will support the important work of preserving and digitizing the history of our region and state for future generations. The digitization of the Muskogee Phoenix collection will be a key part of this effort, making this historical resource accessible to all. I appreciate the Oklahoma Historical Society’s continued commitment to preserving and celebrating Oklahoma’s heritage.”
“In an effort to make our collection of the Muskogee Phoenix, namely the gap of years currently not available online, more accessible to the general public, this grant will allow us to begin the process of digitizing this historical newspaper,” stated Leslie Young-Holland, genealogy and local history librarian. “Hopefully, this is just the beginning for Muskogee Public Library. We would also like to thank the Muskogee Phoenix team for cooperating with us!”
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program awarded more than $577,000 to 40 projects statewide this year, supporting initiatives such as collections care, exhibit development, strategic planning and educational programming.
“The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a powerful tool for connecting communities with their history,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “These grants help local organizations preserve and share stories that might otherwise be lost, strengthening our shared identity and ensuring that future generations can experience Oklahoma’s rich heritage.”
The grant program supports tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations throughout the state. Awards range from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects that advance the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history. Applications for the next grant cycle will open this fall. 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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