County History Partnership Program Grants Awarded
County History Partnership Program Grants Awarded
A Total of $35,308 was Awarded
SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners awarded a total of $35,308 in County History Partnership Program (CHPP) grants to four organizations.
Funding was awarded for general operating support and special projects. Grant monies were approved by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
“Somerset County is fortunate to have people and organizations who understand the long-term benefits when we preserve our culture,” said Commissioner Melonie Marano, Cultural & Heritage liaison. “The organizations that received this year’s grants work really hard to make a difference and add to the quality of life in our county. Whether through restoration, rehabilitation, or education, their efforts bring connectivity to our past.
The following organizations received CHPP grants:
The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum – $20,808
General operating funds will aid in the maintenance, enrichment, and the expansion of programs and outreach, including planning for a new Education and Exhibit Center, virtual programming for signature events, and enhancing the Sourland African American History Trail with an expanded map and signage. It will also support the creation of a new program, the Witness Stones Project, which will be brought to area schools.
Friends of Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead – $6,500
Special project funding will assist the organization in holding a historically accurate farm-totable Colonial Dinner event, which will support endeavors to increase membership, engage more local businesses and donor communities, and raise awareness of the significance of the Farmstead and its 300-year history.
The Somerset County Historical Society – $4,000
General operating support funds will help cover insurance, utility costs, postage, COVID cleaning needs, mailings and general appeals to grow membership. Funding also will be used to support projects and programs.
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills – $4,000
General operating support funds will assist with ongoing maintenance of collections and the interior of the Brick Academy.
About the County History Partnership Program Grant
The County History Partnership Program Grant enables the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) to support local history within each of New Jersey’s 21 counties through a competitive grant application process by awarding funds to the designated county agencies.
The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) is the official agency designated in the county to apply for, receive and administer the County History Partnership Program Grant program. The grant applications are approved through an independent panel of peers who evaluate and provide recommendations for the allocation of funding.
Recommendations are submitted for approval to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and to the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners.
For more information, contact the county Cultural & Heritage Commission at CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7021.
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