Pennsylvania Opens Applications for $2 Million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC)

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has opened the application window for nearly $2 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants. These funds are available to eligible museums and historical societies across the state, aiming to bolster Pennsylvania’s rich cultural heritage.

“Museums and historical organizations connect visitors with people, places, events, and ideas from our collective past, imparting the wisdom learned through hardship and perseverance for future generations,” said Executive Director Andrea Lowery. “These grants enable Pennsylvania’s museums and historical societies to make those connections, to tell our stories, by providing educational opportunities for all and building tourism opportunities for our communities.”

The application deadline is midnight on Friday, August 23, 2024. All applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance system. Detailed eligibility criteria and grant guidelines are available on the PHMC website.

For assistance with the application process, contact Rusty Baker, executive director of PA Museums, at (717) 909-4951 or c-rubaker@pa.gov. PA Museums is partnering with PHMC to manage the grant program.

This is the 12th year of the Cultural and Historical Support Grants Program, a collaborative effort between PHMC and the state legislature. Since its inception, the program has granted nearly $22 million to support and strengthen Pennsylvania’s cultural institutions.

The program’s goals include:

  • Strengthening the Pennsylvania museum community.
  • Providing general operating support to museums and official county historical societies not funded by other state agencies.
  • Allowing applicants to determine and describe how they will use funds within the scope of the grant program.
  • Ensuring a fair and simple application process.
  • Achieving geographical balance in the distribution of grants.
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The grants are available to:

  • Eligible museums in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff member. Grants can be as much as $65,000. This grant is not available to museums eligible for support from other state agencies.
  • Official county historical societies, with awards up to $4,000.

This initiative aims to preserve Pennsylvania’s cultural and historical assets, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire future generations.

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