Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Michael N. Wisby, Sr. Foundation - Dr. W.L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate Awarded $25,000 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Michael N. Wisby, Sr. Foundation – Dr. W.L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate was awarded a $25,000 Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant to support the creation of the Dr. W.L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate Museum, preserving and showcasing early 20th-century African American life and medical practice in Oklahoma City.
“The Haywood Estate is currently undergoing restoration to become an interpretive cultural center highlighting a significant legacy in healthcare and education during the early 20th century,” said board chairman Michael N. Wisby, Sr. “Our focus is preservation, education, and community engagement through curated exhibits and programming. We’re in the development phase and carefully building the foundation to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.”
“The preservation of our history is essential to understanding the strength, resilience, and contributions of the communities that helped shape Oklahoma. I am proud to see the Dr. W. L. and Susie Price Haywood Estate receive support through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program,” said Rep. Aletia Timmons of Oklahoma City. “This investment will help preserve an important part of Oklahoma City’s African American history and ensure future generations can learn from and appreciate the legacy of the Haywood family, their service, and their impact on our community.”
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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