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
M.W. Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State of Oklahoma (Museum and Library), Inc. Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the M.W. Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State of Oklahoma (Museum and Library), Inc. 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 Grand Lodge in Guthrie, a distinctly unique destination in Senate District 20,” said Sen. Chuck Hall, Perry. “The library cataloging system at the Grand Lodge will get an update as a result of the new funding. Thanks to the Historical Society for helping maintain these historic properties.”
“I want to thank the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program for their generous support,” said Rep. Collin Duel, Guthrie. “Keeping our history and cataloging 7,000 volumes helps us preserve our history and ensure accurate and accessible records.”
M.W. Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State of Oklahoma (Museum and Library), Inc. received $7,200 for a project that will facilitate the cataloging of 7,000 volumes in the Library, prioritizing the main library and proceedings room in the initial phase. This effort aims to partially automate the process and ensure essential book information is accurately recorded in the database.
“This grant is a real boon for our institution,” said Jason Smith, president. “It will allow us to better organize and catalog the thousands of books in our collection, allowing our patrons and visitors a much more rewarding experience.”
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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