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
Oklahoma Black Living Legacy Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma Black Living Legacy has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“Oklahoma Black Living Legacy’s grant for creating a walking tour offers an exciting opportunity to engage with Oklahoma City’s Black history in an interactive and accessible way,” said Sen. George Young, Oklahoma City. “This project will undoubtedly enrich our community’s understanding and appreciation of our diverse heritage.”
Oklahoma Black Living Legacy received $7,100 for a project that will create and implement the Oklahoma Black Living Legacy Walking Tour, offering an interactive exploration of Oklahoma City’s Black history through digital platforms and printed materials.
“Receiving this generous Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant not only affirms Oklahoma Black Living Legacy’s commitment to preserving and sharing Oklahoma City’s rich Black history but also empowers us to further illuminate the stories that shape this history,” said James R. Johnson, chairman of the board for Oklahoma Black Living Legacy. “We extend our deepest gratitude for this support, which enables us to continue our mission of education and preservation. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for helping us bring Oklahoma’s past into our bright future.”
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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