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 the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) 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.
“I’m grateful the Oklahoma Historical Society has awarded grant funds to the Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association, a distinctly unique destination in Senate District 20,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, Perry. “This grant will fund on-site improvements at the museum, ensuring it remains a must-visit destination in northeast Oklahoma. Thanks to the Historical Society for helping maintain these historic properties.”
Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Association received $6,750 for a project that will renovate and enhance the blacksmith shop at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum. The project aims to update interpretive signage, improve lighting, and implement key identification for historic items. These enhancements will contribute to maintaining the museum’s high-quality exhibitions and improving the storage and display of items.
“We are excited to continue the work on the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum that the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant has allowed us to begin,” said Ronny Brown, site manager. “With this newest grant, we will be able to create a more immersive experience in our blacksmith shop to better serve the public.”
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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