HISTORICAL GRANTS AWARDED

HARRISBURG, AUG. 31 – State Sen. Connie Williams noted the importance of preserving history in announcing the latest round of Pennsylvania History and Museum Grants in the 17th Senatorial District.

 “Every generation builds upon the good works and efforts of the generation that it follows,” Williams said. “Maintaining an accurate record of our history is one way to pay tribute to those who helped to create our communities. I credit each of the grant award recipients for the projects that they have selected to preserve local history.”

 Grants were awarded in several categories – Archives and Records Management, Historic Preservation, Local History, and Museum Projects. Additionally, several projects were included as Fast Track Project Grants. Fast Track Grants are initiatives that are less than $5,000 to fund and require no local match.

 Grants were awarded in each of the categories as follows:

Archives and Records Management
 

  • Delaware County Archives -- $4,400 to archive information from the Register of Wills for the period of 1871 to 1900 (Fast Track)

  • Delaware County Council -- $15,000 to microfilm and index naturalization records from Delaware County from 1795 to 1990 and naturalization records from 1795 to 1906.

  • Delaware County Historical Society -- $15,000 to transfer archived materials to a permanent site and to promote the archives to the public.
     

Historic Preservation Project Grants

·        Lower Merion Conservancy -- $4,300 to educate and increase awareness about the local historic preservation ordinance (Fast Track).

Local History Grants

·        Theatre Ariel, Merion Station -- $13,060 to fund “A Community Remembers” a 2-year oral history project to let high school students learn about Philadelphia Jewish history from the people who created it.

·        Delaware County Commissioners Heritage Commission -- $4,550 to hold three events in 2006 to celebrate the 325th anniversary of Penn’s landing (Fast Track).

Museum Project

·        Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown -- $15,000 to purchase a Point of Sale system to consolidate cash register, accounting and data systems.

 In April 2006, there will be another opportunity for organizations to apply for Fast Track Project grants. Information will be posted on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Web site in the spring.

 For more information about PHMC and its grant opportunities, visit the commission’s Web site at www.phmc.state.pa.us.