HARRISBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), along with area state house members, announced today the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has awarded more than $81,000 in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to six organizations across the 30th Senatorial District.
“These grants not only help preserve the rich history of our commonwealth, but they also bring in necessary revenue to these communities through tourism, as well as help educate the next generation of Pennsylvanians,” said Ward. “I want to thank the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for providing these important grants and encourage all Pennsylvanians to support these organizations as they continue to help honor our past and educate our future.”
The organizations will use the grants to support a variety of needs including educational programming, preservation work, operational expenses, staff support and improvements that enhance public access and experiences. These dollars help ensure local institutions can continue preserving, interpreting and sharing the rich history of our region and the commonwealth.
Blair County
Railroaders Heritage Corporation will receive $30,000 to help advance the mission of the Railroaders Memorial Museum by aiding in the preservation, interpretation and promotion of railroad heritage in Central Pennsylvania.
Blair County Historical Society will receive $9,000 to help cover operational costs, such as utilities and insurance, to help sustain the continued operation of the Baker Mansion Historical Museum community involvement, educational programs, historical research and promote local tourism.
“Altoona and Blair County have a rich history we should all be proud of,” Rep. Louis Schmitt (R- 79) said. “This funding will help preserve the history of the industry that helped build our city – railroading. In doing so, future generations will be able to learn of our past and the people who shaped our county and city.”
“These organizations work tirelessly to preserve the history of our region and provide educational programming,” Rep. Scott Barger (R-80) said. “We’re fortunate to have these historical groups in our backyard.”
Fulton County
Fulton County Historical Society Inc. will receive $9,000 to offset the cost of insurance for Fulton County Historical Society’s two buildings and museum contents.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it’s important to highlight local contributions to the birth of our great nation. These local museums and historical societies play a key role in preserving our history,” House Minority Leader Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) said. “This funding helps ensure local historical and cultural centers continue to thrive to pass on our history to the next generation.”
Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County Historical Society will receive $9,000 to cover utility and maintenance expenses for their facilities, as well as to purchase conservation materials and advertising.
The William E. Swigart Jr. Automobile Museum will receive $6,200 to assist the museum with salaries, wages, benefits, insurance, professional development, communications and fundraising.
“I know these organizations are thankful for these grants,” Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81) said. “We are fortunate to have the historical society and Swigart Antique Auto Museum, which are dedicated to preserving history and sharing it with the public.”
Juniata County
Juniata County Historical Society will receive $9,000 for mowing and maintenance of properties, along with electricity in their archives room, purchase of conservation supplies and newsletter printing and postage costs.
“We are fortunate to live in an area that is rich with history and to have organizations that showcase our heritage,” Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-86) said. “This funding will help our dedicated local historical societies continue the great work they are doing.”
Mifflin County
Mifflin County Historical Society will receive $9,000 to help cover the part-time wages of its Office Administrator, who performs many of the day-to-day operations and supports the needs of volunteers and board of directors.
“Our historical societies do a tremendous job in maintaining memories and preserving the past for present and future generations,” Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-171) said. “I’m proud to support these grants, which are investments in our community.”
“The grants for these historical societies are a testament to the rich history of the Susquehanna River Valley,” Rep. David Rowe (R-85) said. “I’m grateful for the funding, which will preserve that history for future generations and keep community stories alive and accessible to the public.”
The Cultural and Historical Support Grant program provides general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and official county historical societies that are not directly funded through other state agency operating programs.
CONTACT: Nathan Akers, 717-787-2421