Press Release
April 1, 2024
Contact: Nicole Harvey
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5202
nicole.harvey@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/grants
Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“It’s an honor to see the Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation recognized with a grant that will bring the rich history of Fort Gibson to life through engaging educational programs,” said Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, Muskogee. “This investment in our heritage is a testament to the value we place on preserving and understanding our past.”
The Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation received $6,500 for a project titled “Fort Gibson 200th Anniversary Military Programming,” which will support the Fort Gibson Historic Site, in collaboration with the Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation, in conducting three educational programs showcasing highlights in the site’s history. The programs will include a living history garrison depicting 19th-century life, expeditions launched from the fort, and the role of Native U.S. military members during the Civil War. These programs aim to educate visitors about the site’s rich history and will become part of its regular annual programming.
“The Friends of Fort Gibson Historic Site Foundation are pleased to receive the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant, which helps us in our mission to support Fort Gibson Historic Site in the continued development of educational programming,” said Linda Ryan, president of Friends of Fort Gibson Foundation. “With this grant, we will be able to provide resources and programs designed to show the incredibly rich and diverse history of Oklahoma and Indian Territory.”
The OHS will distribute over $520,000 in grant funds, with projects ranging from collections care and strategic planning to exhibit development and educational programming.
“Through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, we’re not just funding projects; we’re investing in the preservation of Oklahoma’s rich and dynamic history,” said Nicole Harvey, director of strategic initiatives for the Oklahoma Historical Society. “These grants empower communities across the state to uphold their heritage for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Oklahoma continue to inspire and educate for years to come.”
The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program is a grants-in-aid program offered by the Oklahoma Historical Society to encourage 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 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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