Press Release
April 25, 2025
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society Awarded $4,725 for Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Project
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is pleased to announce that the Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society (OCHS) has been awarded $4,725 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This funding will support hosting three OCHS public events commemorating the 90th anniversary of Black Sunday and the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service, while celebrating the importance of conservation work in Oklahoma since then.
“The Dust Bowl of the 1930s is arguably the greatest manmade enviromental disaster in our nation’s history and had a significant impact on Oklahoma,” stated Ben Pollard, president. “This project commemorates the 90th anniversary of the dust storm known as Black Sunday (April 14, 1935) and celebrates the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service (April 27, 1935). The Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society hopes to bring attention to this important piece of Oklahoma history and to the conservation work that has occurred in the past 90 years that has prevented a repeat of the Dust Bowl.”
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.
###
