Leasing and shut in

I have just received a lease offer on a tract that my grandmother last leased in 1954. I found a shut in payment for 2014-2015. There have been no other payments since then. In reviewing the lease from 1954 I do no see any mention of shut in. Is this tract available to lease? Thanks for any help. Karen B

Karen, it probably expired years ago if you have not been getting royalties. That either means the operator is not producing oil or gas on the lease (or on lands pooled with the lease) or some other reason. I suggest you take it to an attorney familiar with these matters and have him/her review your situation.