Submitted by Thurston County Board of Commissioners
Thurston County is now accepting applications from historic preservation organizations for the 2018 Thurston County Heritage Grant Program. The application period runs from July 14, through August 31, 2017. 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 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 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.
Non-profit organizations currently registered with the Washington Secretary of State or 501(c)(3), government entities, including tribes, are eligible for consideration as long as they have a clear focus on heritage within Thurston County.
The Commission received ten grant applications for funding for the 2017 grant funding period. On December 16, 2017, County Commissioners approved funding for seven applications, totaling $29,600. Examples of previous grant supported projects include: historic mobile interpretive displays, assessing the Olympia Brewing Company archives, painting an upstairs room and installing interpretive displays at the Bigelow House, and repairs to the engine of the Sand Man.
Applicants can find an updated application on the Thurston County website. All complete applications will be reviewed by a sub-committee and then the entire Thurston County Historic Commission. Thurston County Commissioners will award the grants early in 2018.
Applicants can direct questions to Cami Petersen, Administrative Assistant, Resource Stewardship Department, 360-754-3355 ext. 6348.
