Six Organizations Receive Grants to Boost Local History Efforts

Six history organizations have received new grants from the Kentucky Local History Trust Fund (KRS 171.325), a funding pool that supports local history organizations’ efforts to preserve and tell Kentucky’s stories. The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) presented the grants, totaling $9,538, at an event at the Old State Capitol in Frankfort on Jan. 8. Individual amounts range from $290 to $2,100 for projects related to exhibits and strategic planning. “Local history-minded organizations like the ones honored today help connect Kentuckians and visitors to their past in meaningful and impactful ways,” said Regina Stivers, deputy secretary of the Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “We are pleased to announce these grants to aid these organizations as they continue to showcase the best the Commonwealth has to offer.” The most recent Kentucky Local History Trust Fund grant recipients are:

• Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, $2,162.14, Fayette County, for “Slavery at Ashland” tour development, volunteer training, and StEPs enrollment
• Jack Jouett House Historic Site, $290, Woodford County, for enrollment in the American Association of State and Local History StEPs program
• Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University, $1,740, Warren County, for development of an exhibit and integration of the museum into WKU curriculum
• Lexington History Museum, $1,827, Fayette County, for a speakers series to complement an exhibit commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the passage of the Lexington-Fayette County Fairness Ordinance on July 8, 1999; and StEPs enrollment
• Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, $2,175, Jefferson County, for redesign of “The People” exhibit to include new information about African Americans who lived and worked at Riverside, and StEPs enrollment
• Sisters of Loretto Heritage Center, $1,344.15, Marion County, for upgrades to the center’s permanent exhibit and StEPs enrollment

“History can be a window into innovation of the past and a tool for innovation today,” Scott Alvey, KHS executive director, said at the event. “KHS is proud to play a small part of that innovation through administering the Local History Trust Fund. We look forward to all the new discoveries these funds will allow.” The Kentucky Local History Trust Fund is a tax “check-off” option. Kentuckians choose to donate from their state income tax refunds when they file their tax returns. In its three grant cycles, 36 Kentucky organizations from 27 counties have received a total of $41,000 from the grant pool. KHS administers the fund by accepting applications and awarding grants.