The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants to qualified museums for collections, heritage tourism and education and interpretation projects. Awards typically range between $2,000 and $10,000.
Museums may apply for a variety of projects. Collections projects may include cataloging, archival storage, disaster preparedness and conservation. Heritage tourism projects may include museum marketing and promotions, enhancing visitor experience and training for museum staff. Education and interpretation projects may include exhibits, online education, school classes, workshops and camps. Museums may also partner with other organizations for projects that might be outside of the museum, but still meet the museum’s mission. It is possible to enfold response to COVID-19 challenges into appropriate projects.
“This program is quite broad and can be used to collect the full spectrum of Oregon’s history, preserve it and raise awareness of it. We hope to see both creative and practical proposals,” said Oregon Heritage Coordinator Katie Henry. Past projects include:
- Interpretation and tourism projects at the Bush House Museum (Salem), Gilliam County Historical Society, High Desert Museum, Oregon Jewish Museum and Portland Chinatown History Foundation;
- Collections projects by Aurora Colony Historical Society, Gresham Historical Society, Lane County Historical Society, Independence Heritage Museum, Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, Polk County Historical Society and Museum, Shelton McMurphy Johnson House (Eugene), Southern Oregon Historical Society and Willamette University; and
- Tourism projects by Baker Heritage Museum and Wallowa History Center.
The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support. A free online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application will be offered March 2, 2-3pm. Advance registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
The Heritage Commission is composed of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission is to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. The commission supports Oregon Heritage Plan goals that include: including more voices of Oregon’s history, access to Oregon’s historic resources, attaining best practices and promoting the value of heritage.
To learn more about museum grants, visit oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.