Press Release
May 28, 2026
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-967-9487
[email protected]
okhistory.org/grants
Chisholm Trail Museum, Inc. Awarded $21,000 Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Chisholm Trail Museum, Inc. in Kingfisher has been awarded $21,000 through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. This grant will fund a two-day living history event about life in Oklahoma during the 1930s Dust Bowl era, featuring school and family programs with interactive stations, demonstrations, short lectures, and an evening community concert and picnic at the Seay Mansion.
“We are honored to receive the 2026 Oklahoma Preservation Grant,” said Kimberly Wageman-Prack, executive director of The Chisholm. “This grant allows us to bring to life the stories of how the Dust Bowl, Route 66, and the New Deal shaped the lives of Oklahomans in the 1930s and how the resilience and spirit of those who came before us continue to impact our communities today. Their legacy reminds us that perseverance in difficult times can create opportunities and progress for future generations.”
“I am excited with the work they are doing at The Chisholm to preserve Oklahoma’s history for generations to come,” said Rep. Mike Dobrinski of Okeene. “The staff, board, and volunteers work tirelessly and continuously to improve displays and host amazing events to bring the story of the Chisholm Trail to life. I’m glad to continue supporting their efforts at every opportunity.”
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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