Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Seminole Nation Museum Awarded $25,000 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Seminole Nation Museum has been awarded $25,000 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will fund the installation of 15 security cameras, new steel exit doors, exterior LED lighting, and a storm door, along with repairs in the Wewoka Icons exhibit space, improving building security, safe egress, environmental protection, and public accessibility.
“We are deeply grateful to the Oklahoma Historical Society for this important investment in the preservation of the Seminole Nation Museum’s collections,” said Richard Ellwanger, executive director of the museum. “These improvements will strengthen the security and environmental protection of our facility, helping safeguard the artifacts and artworks entrusted to our care. This grant ensures that these important pieces of Seminole history will be protected and preserved for future generations.”
“This investment in the Seminole Nation Museum is a meaningful step in preserving the history and cultural legacy of the Seminole people for future generations,” said Rep. Danny Williams of Seminole. “Strengthening the museum’s safety, accessibility, and infrastructure ensures that this important story can continue to be shared with visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond. I am so grateful for the Oklahoma Historical Society’s commitment to supporting local institutions that safeguard Oklahoma’s heritage.”
“This Oklahoma Historical Society grant for the Seminole Nation Museum comes at a critical time. By improving security and making much-needed repairs to the exhibit space, these funds will ensure the museum remains a safe and welcoming place for visitors. This museum is a pillar of the Wewoka community that plays an important role in educating Oklahomans about the Seminole Nation’s history,” said Sen. Grant Green of Wellston.
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is the Oklahoma Historical Society’s primary tool for supporting grassroots history and preservation efforts across the state. Through this year’s competitive grant cycle, the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors approved $509,439 in awards to 30 eligible organizations, helping communities throughout Oklahoma preserve their unique histories and make them more accessible to the public.“The organizations receiving these grants are doing essential work to preserve Oklahoma’s history at the local level,” said Trait Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “Whether caring for collections, improving exhibits, or expanding educational programs, these projects help keep our shared history visible, accessible, and relevant across the state.”
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 improve collections stewardship, develop exhibits, expand public programs, and strengthen organizational capacity. Applications for the next grant cycle will open January 1, 2027. 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.
###
