Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
The Edwards Store, Inc. Awarded $25,000 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Edwards Store, Inc. has been awarded $25,000 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will support the completion of the reconstruction of the Edwards Store’s iconic front and back porches, restoring their historic character and structural integrity for public use.
“We sincerely thank the Oklahoma Historical Society for their grant, which allows us to restore the cabin’s front and back porches to their historic look,” said Steve Yandell, executive director of The Edwards Store, Inc. “This support also lets us investigate Civil War-era stories in the dog trot breezeway. We invite you to enjoy the finished porches with us soon.”
“The Edwards Store is an important part of our history in southeast Oklahoma,” said Rep. Jim Grego of Wilburton. “As a former postmaster, I appreciate that the store was the original post office for Red Oak, Indian Territory, in 1868. I also like that it provided a stopping place for weary, hungry travelers on the Butterfield Overland Mail stage line. There are few structures like it that are still standing. I’m glad to hear of this grant money to be used to reconstruct the historic character of this site so future visitors can keep enjoying our area history.”
“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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