We’re very pleased to announce the results of the second cycle of NHN’s microfunding program. We received a total of nine proposals this year, which were reviewed by a committee of seven professionals including historians, librarians, and archivists. The NHN Board has approved funding for four proposals that earned enthusiastic support from our reviewers:

Project: “Roots & Wings Oral History Project”
Organization: Rural Organizing Project
Project Director: Sarah K. Loose
With their $250 award, ROP will fund audio editing of oral histories related to grassroots human dignity organizing in rural Oregon.

Project: “Archival boxes, the key to organizing our past”
Organization: Latah County Historical Society
Project Director: Zachary Wnek, Museum Curator
The society will use their $250 award to purchase archival supplies for preserving historical records.

Project: “Oregon Quilt Project Documentation Phase”
Organization: Oregon Quilt Project
Project Director: Mary Bywater Cross
OQP will use their $235 award to purchase photography equipment for documenting historic quilts according to national standards.

Project: “Purchase archival materials to stabilize documents and photographs”
Organization: Oregon Fire Service Museum
Project Director: Shirley Tormey, Curator
The museum will use their $250 award to purchase archival supplies to preserve documents and photographs on the history of fires and firefighting in Oregon.

Please contact nhn-board@googlegroups.com if you have suggestions about the program or would like to help with this program.

Professional Credentials

  • Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan
  • MA, University of Michigan
  • BA, Lewis & Clark College

Personal Statement

I serve as volunteer co-director of the Northwest History Network because it is an an opportunity and context for independent historians to support each other’s work and to advocate for history. I’ve conducted research in a wide-variety of topical areas to help inform projects including exhibit and media design, environmental cleanup, litigation, public programs, and public policy.

Areas of Specialization

  • Research
  • Evaluations
  • Program and project management
  • Grant writing
  • 20th century U.S. political culture
  • Oral history
  • Education
  • Gender studies

Selected Positions, Projects, and Publications

  • Content Director, Night & Day Studios
  • Program Manager, Center for Columbia River History
  • Program Manager and Grant Director, Educational Service District 112

Contact Information:
503-240-3344
mary.wheeler@gmail.com