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
Rogers County Historical Society, Inc. Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Rogers County Historical Society, Inc. has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
“The Rogers County Historical Society’s efforts to preserve and refurbish the Fiddle House at Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park are crucial for maintaining a unique piece of Oklahoma’s heritage,” said Rep. Mark Lepak, Claremore. “This grant will ensure the park’s art and history are preserved, allowing future generations to appreciate and learn from the creativity and spirit of our past.”
Rogers County Historical Society, Inc. received $20,000 for a project that will support preserving and refurbishing the Fiddle House at the Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park. This includes documenting existing artwork, conducting conservation work, and redesigning the interior.
“The Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park is a well-known site near Route 66 visited by approximately 10,000 people each year from all across the United States and the world,” said Bobbie Cary, treasurer of Rogers County Historical Society. “This Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant award will enable the Rogers County Historical Society to complete the restoration of the exterior of the Fiddle House and to begin the conservation of the original murals done by Mr. Galloway on the interior walls. We invite you to visit and see this one-of-a-kind folk art park for yourself.”
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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