Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Five Civilized Tribes Museum Awarded $1,505 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee has been awarded $1,505 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will help fund the expansion of storage shelving to accommodate the growing collection of baskets, pottery, fine art, photographs, and other artifacts.
“The Five Civilized Tribes Museum is grateful for the continued ongoing support of the Oklahoma Historical Society,” said Sean Barney, CEO and executive director of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. “Without their constant support, the museum would not be able to preserve and exhibit art and archival items related to the Five Civilized Tribes: Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee, Cherokee, and Seminole.”
“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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