Submitted by Thurston County
Historic preservation organizations in Thurston County have an opportunity to apply for grants from the county. The application period for the 2016 Thurston County Heritage Grant Program runs from July 15- August 31, 2015. 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, 6 complete grant applications were received and ranked by the Commission for 2015 funding. On January 5th of this year, County Commissioners approved funding for all 6 applications for a total of $29,000. Past grant supported projects include: enhancing Olympia’s National Register District by painting murals of the Historic Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet vessels on downtown Olympia alleyways, the Old Brewhouse mobile museum display, renovation of two rooms in the historic Rainier School, and other historic projects within Thurston County.
The application form and guidelines have been updated and are available on the Thurston County web site. 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 2016.
Those with questions can call Cami Petersen, Administrative Assistant, Resource Stewardship Department, 360-754-3355 ext. 6348.
