Local Groups Can Apply for Historic Preservation Grants

olympia teen volunteer
Olympia’s oldest residence, the Bigelow House Museum (part of the Olympia Historical Society) offers great information on how Olympia was involved in women's right to vote. Photo courtesy of Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum
0 Shares

 

Submitted by Thurston County

Bigelow House, 1866
Bigelow House, 1866

Historic preservation organizations in Thurston County have an opportunity to apply for grants from the county.  The application period for the 2015 Thurston County Heritage Grant Program runs from July 15 – August 31, 2014.  The Thurston County Historic Commission grant sub-committee will review and rank the applications in September.

The Historic Preservation Grant program is funded by revenues that the County collects from the recording of documents.  By state law, these funds can only be used for programs and projects related to historic preservation.  In addition to funding the grant program, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners has also authorized up to $10,000 annually for projects managed by the County Historic Commission.  These funds are typically used for the creation of historic markers in the county and to help support efforts such as the historic barn documentation project.

Last year, 9 complete grant applications were received and ranked by the Commission for 2014 funding.  On January 7 of this year, County Commissioners approved funding for all 9 applications for a total of $40,914.  Past grant supported projects include:  Installation of interpretive signage along historic street corridors in downtown Olympia, Painting of historic Gate Schoolhouse, State Capitol Museum traveling panel exhibit highlighting folk artists in Washington State, Interpretative signage at the Bigelow House, and other historic projects within Thurston County.

The application form and guidelines have been updated and are available on the Thurston County web site at: http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/historic/historic-grants.html. Once all the applications have been received, they will be reviewed by a sub-committee and then the entire Thurston County Historic Commission.  Thurston County Commissioners will award the grants early in 2015.

Those with questions can call Cami Petersen, Administrative Assistant, Resource Stewardship Department, 360-754-3355 ext. 6348.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares