Press Release

May 28, 2026

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

Chouteau Public Library Awarded $3,500 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Chouteau Public Library has been awarded $3,500 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will fund the “Unhidden Treasures” project, which will increase public access to Chouteau’s history by sharing archival materials, displaying enlarged photographs, and distributing bookmarks that highlight local stories and community development.

“This project will transform how we share our local history by making it accessible and visible both inside the library and throughout the community,” said Janet Coblentz, Chouteau Public Library librarian/administrator. “We are excited to share Chouteau’s history in a new and meaningful way.”

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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