Since 2006, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation has funded over 1,800 historic signs in 46 states through their initiative “Helping Communities Celebrate and Preserve Their History.”
The Foundation has six signature programs for historic markers. Each program has its own guidelines and deadline, discussed below. The grants provide all the costs for the marker, pole, and shipping, but applicants are responsible for installation.
Applications are only accepted online, via the Foundation’s Grant Portal.
Eligibility
All historic marker programs are open to:
- Nonprofit academic institutions
- Local, state, and federal government entities
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
Certain programs are only available in specific states, as noted below.
Hungry for History
The Hungry for History program is open nationwide for signs that tell the story of foods that are special to a place or region. Eligible submissions must:
- Have been created locally before 1970
- Have historic significance outside the region
- Be a ready-to-eat dish with at least 2 ingredients
- Still be eaten
- Not include brand names
Applications are accepted on a continual basis, but a Letter of Intent is required.
Legends and Lore
The Legends and Lore program supports signage that celebrates local myths, folktales, and holidays in Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia.
Subjects must be based on popular legends that contribute to cultural tourism. Family legends, factual events, and literary material are not eligible. Primary source documentation is not required.
Applications for Round One will open on March 11, 2024 are due by April 29. Round Two will open on August 26 with a deadline of October 14.
National Register Signage
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of places designated worthy of historic preservation. The Register operates under the National Parks Service, but does not provide any funding for signage. The William G. Pomerory Foundation helps to make sure these places are recognized by furnishing those funds.
This program is available in all 50 states and applications are accepted year round. A copy of the National Register designation letter must be provided.
Historic Transportation Canals
The Historic Transportation program is available nationwide for signs that commemorate transportation related events that occurred before 1945.Primary source documentation is required.
The 2024 round of applications will open March 15. Letters of Intent will be due by April 12 and full applications by May 17.
Hometown Heritage
The Hometown Heritage program is available in every state but New York. It provides signage for local history events in states that lack their own historic signage program or that don’t qualify for their state program. Events must have occurred in 1924 or earlier.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis, but a Letter of Intent is required.
New York State
The New York State Historic Marker Grant Program commemorates historic people, places, and events that occurred in New York from 1683-1923. Primary source documentation is required. Deadlines are scheduled by region based on the Association for Public Historians of New York State.
