Press Release
April 25, 2025
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Pottawatomie County Historical Society Awarded $21,600 for Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Project
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is pleased to announce that the Pottawatomie County Historical Society has been awarded $21,600 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This funding will support building eight additional display cases to increase exhibit capacity.
“The Pottawatomie County Historical Society is a wonderful organization, and Director Landry is doing a fantastic job managing the facilities,” stated Sen. Shane Jett, Shawnee. “Not only does the Pottawatomie County Historical Society preserve our rich history, but they also provide excellent spaces for the larger community.”
“I am thrilled to see the Pottawatomie County Historical Society receive funding through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program,” stated Rep. Dell Kerbs, Shawnee. “This grant will help ensure that our community’s rich history is preserved and shared for future generations. I appreciate the Oklahoma Historical Society for recognizing the importance of supporting grassroots preservation efforts across our state. Investing in local historical organizations is essential to keeping our heritage alive.”
“The Pottawatomie County Historical Society is pleased to receive a 2025 Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant,” stated Ken Landry, museum director. “This grant will allow us to greatly increase the number of items available for public display in the Paul and Ann Milburn Center, Santa Fe Depot Railroad Museum and the new Pottawatomie County Firefighter Museum, which is currently under construction.”
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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