Arkansas Heritage grants provided to small museums

Arkansas Heritage recently recognized recipients of Small Museum and Arkansas Heritage grants at its headquarters in Little Rock.

These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’ small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $55,600 to 17 recipients from across the state.

“These grant programs provide funds to help promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history,” said Shea Lewis, director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Our hope is that these funds will enrich current programs and provide inspiration for future activities, continuing to build momentum and energy.”

The Small Museum Grant Program aims to increase the ability of community-based small museums and organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history.

Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year.

Eligible activities include building and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits, and website design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500.

“Arkansas’ small museums and historical organizations play a vital role in preserving places and items that have shaped Arkansas’s history,” said Marty Ryall, director of Arkansas Heritage. “These grants provide funds that help them to continue to tell the story of our shared heritage.”

Recipients include:

Altus Historical Society, Altus Heritage House Museum Operations, $2,500

Calico Rock Community Foundation, Inc., Calico Rock Museum Operating Grant, $2,500

Cleburne County Historical Society, Printing and Mailing Quarterly Journal, $2,500

Cross County Historical Society, Replacement of Awning, $2,500

Hardy History Association, Utilities, $2500

Fort Smith Historical Society, Fort Smith Historical Society Website, $2,500

Hardy History Association, Utilities, $2,500

Henry Clay Yerger High School Museum, Utilities, $2,500

Little Rock Air Force Base Historical Foundation, Museum Uniform Display Cases, $2,500

Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society, $2,500

Pope County Historical Foundation, Modern Display of First Ladies’ Dress Replicas, $2,500

Saunders Memorial Museum, Utilities, $2,500