Press Release
March 4, 2021
Contact: Nicole Harvey
Grants Administrator, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5202
nharvey@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/grants
Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society is proud to announce that the Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
The Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association has been awarded $20,000 that will fund the revitalization of the museum's centerpiece diorama. This diorama, originally created in 1971, portrays a bird's-eye view of the workings of a historic Wild West Show. It is a one-of-a-kind piece of interpretive material that is a fan favorite for everyone who enters the facility. Due to the size and age of the diorama, it will require conservation work from professionals. In addition, audio/visual components will be added to the exhibit to create a better interactive and educational experience for visitors.
"Our museum's diorama has been an important part of our collection since 1971," said Anna Davis, historical interpreter at Pawnee Bill Ranch. "Not only does it show the size and the scope of Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show, but it also brings history alive for young and old alike. We are so thankful for the opportunities offered by the Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Historical Society to provide much needed maintenance to our historical items."
A total of just over $460,000 in grant funds will be distributed, with projects ranging from collections care and exhibit development to strategic planning and educational programming. "This is only the second year for this grant program. As organizations wrap up their grant projects from last year and as we see the quality of the applications that came in for this grant cycle, it is clear that there is a strong need for this type of grant program," said Nicole Harvey, OHS grants administrator.
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society with a goal of encouraging the collection, preservation and sharing of Oklahoma history at the grassroots level in all parts of the state. Open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma and registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state, this grants program offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on collections, exhibits and programming. Applications for this annual program open in the fall and award announcements are made in January. For more information visit www.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 www.okhistory.org.
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