Early this year, the Oklahoma Historical Society established a one-year grant project throughout the state in regards to any direct relatives whose family walked the Trail of Tears, granting it to those who were eligible to enroll in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share their family legacy.

The project runs through May 2026.

Eric Winter, stepson of Jimmie G. Clemmons, along with his fiance Misty Fisher were awarded the grant project in partnership with the Township of Gans.

The couple will be sharing the Fox/Clemmons legacy story, which began in the mid-1800s, with them being one of the first original families in Gans.

The couple, along with Gans municipality, are looking for help from residents of Sequoyah County and Gans who personally knew the Fox/ Clemmons family and are willing to share their stories.

Gary McGinnis II, the mayor of Gans, and his team have also gifted a portion of a wall in the Town Hall to permanently house a minimuseum exhibition for the public to visit and learn the history of Sequoyah County and Gans as told by Cherokee Adair Fox, who was the first Native American teacher in Gans.

Anyone willing to share their stories will also be part of the historical society project.

In the documentary the couple is preparing, stories will be shared of the trials and

A collage depicting the Fox/Clemmons family.

COURTESY tribulations in the aftermath of the Trail of Tears, including the railroads influence, treaties and trades, along with agriculture and farming, which were the only hope for survival in the early years.

Winter and Fisher are currently halfway through their project, and are looking to interview anyone who personally knew the Fox/Clemmons family, who can visit in person, have a virtual meeting or even upload an audio/video recording and share it to digital platforms at the winterhausproductions. com website or via Facebook.

For inquiries, contact the Gans town offices at 918-775-2411 or ganstownhall@