Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Plains Indians and Pioneers Historical Foundation Awarded $17,187 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Plains Indians and Pioneers Historical Foundation in Woodward has been awarded $17,187 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will fund the cataloging, preservation, and digitization of the McDonald Collection by processing and uploading thousands of historic images, expanding free public access while safeguarding a vital visual record of life in northwest Oklahoma.
“The preservation and digitization of the McDonald Collection project is critical in expanding this Museum’s outreach. Individuals from all over the United States view these photos to find family members or do research. Without the funding we’ve received, we couldn’t possibly have been able to do this,” said Mikel Robinson, executive director of the museum. “We’re very excited to receive another year of funding, and I wish to express, on behalf of myself and the entire Museum board, our appreciation to the Oklahoma State Legislature and the Oklahoma Historical Society for their faith in our organization’s ability to move this project ahead for another year.”
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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