Press Release
April 25, 2025
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Southern Nazarene University Awarded $10,672 for Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Project
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is pleased to announce that Southern Nazarene University (SNU) has been awarded $10,672 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This funding will support upgrading the current microfilm reader to provide greater accessibility for patrons and students.
“I’m grateful for the work of the SNU staff to ensure that archival materials are available to students and community patrons,” stated Sen. Julie Kirt, Oklahoma City. “This grant will go a long way to ensure that historic materials are accessible to today’s readers and researchers. Thank you to the Oklahoma Historical Society for its important work across the state.”
“I deeply appreciate the work of the Oklahoma Historical Society to preserve important pieces of our state’s history,” said Rep. Tammy West, Oklahoma City. “With this grant providing the opportunity for Southern Nazarene University to improve their microfilm reader, our students and academics can foster a greater understanding of our state and nation’s history.”
“We are deeply appreciative of this support from the Oklahoma Historical Society and the State of Oklahoma,” stated Julie Lyles, director of the SNU Archives. “The ability to secure a microfilm reader for the SNU archives collection will be an important teaching and research tool for our students and faculty and will allow public access to crucial resources in our collection.”
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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