Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Project 2020 Foundation Awarded $25,000 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Project 2020 Foundation has been awarded $25,000 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. These funds will help fund the restoration of Boley’s historic Farmers & Merchants Bank into an exhibit-ready heritage hub, featuring rotating exhibits, tours, and programs that preserve and share the story of one of America’s historic All-Black towns.
“Support from the Oklahoma Historical Society through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant will help Project 2020 Foundation revitalize Boley’s historic Farmers & Merchants Bank as a community hub for exhibits, events, and cultural tourism,” said Karen Ekuban, founder and president of the Project 2020 Foundation. “This project preserves an important Oklahoma landmark while creating a place where visitors can experience the history, resilience, and legacy of one of the nation’s most significant historic Black towns.”
“The community of Boley, Oklahoma, has more than earned this grant to further preserve their deep heritage of self-determination, perseverance, and excellence in modeling enterprise,” said Rep. David Smith of Arpelar. “Visitors from all around will discover the story of this admirable community through the upcoming exhibits and programs, and they will surely leave inspired.”
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.
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