Press Release

May 28, 2026

Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants

Northeastern State University Foundation Awarded $4,300 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Northeastern State University Foundation in Tahlequah was awarded a $4,300 Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant to acquire historically accurate replica uniforms for the Seminary Hall Museum.

“The story of the Cherokee seminaries is central to both our institution and this region. Projects like this ensure that the story is preserved with care and shared in ways that are engaging, respectful, and meaningful for generations to come,” said Dr. Rodney Hanley, president of Northeastern State University.

“I’m pleased to see these organizations recognized for their commitment to preserving Oklahoma history and educating future generations,” said Sen. Avery Frix of Muskogee. “These investments through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program will directly support the preservation of the stories and symbols that have shaped our communities, region, and state.”

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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