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
Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is proud to announce that the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar received $19,992 for a project that will revitalize exhibits and enhance visitor experience as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration. These funds will be used for materials, labor, and contracting services necessary for the renovation, including creating thematic wall panels, exhibit bays, and interactive touch screens. Additionally, grant funds will contribute to digitizing resources, allowing broader access to the museum’s on-site and online collections.
“The board and staff of the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar are very excited to learn about the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant award,” said Amelia Chamberlain, executive director. “Past grants have allowed us to accomplish important work with several collections. Funds awarded this time will be used to renovate exhibits for the museum’s 50th anniversary. We will utilize portions of the museum’s mission (interpret, preserve, and celebrate the diverse collective history of greater Stillwater) to expand on the “Making History” exhibit title. Three interactive touch screens will bring history to life. A space just for kids will provide history-related activities and discoveries.”
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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