Burlington County will distribute a record-high $78,861 in local historic preservation grants this year to help support operations, projects and special events.
“Burlington County is home to history spanning hundreds of years from the indigenous people and early colonials through the Industrial Revolution and fight for civil rights,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Our historic sites and artifacts are among our county’s most treasured assets and these grants will support organizations committed to preserving and showcasing the history that makes Burlington County so special.
This year’s grants well exceed the $47,574 in grants awarded by the commissioners last year and the total is more than double the $31,716 awarded in 2021.
Funding for the grants comes from the New Jersey Historical Commission and its County History Partnership Program to assist existing and emerging local history organizations and other nonprofits that undertake history projects and programs.
Burlington County’s 12 grant recipients were recommended by a peer panel within the County Division of Parks and the awards will be used for a variety of purposes and projects, including general operations, development of museum exhibits, interpretive signs for historic sites and other history projects.
The awards include one first-time applicant, the Burlington County Library. The other awardees have previously received county grants for history projects.
The complete list of history grants is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us.
Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, said these investments in historical preservation and programing will strengthen communities and help grow local economies.
“Our history helps define us and these organizations will use this funding to preserve and share that history for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Eckel. “That alone is worth the investment, but we also know that historic sites and museums help attract visitors and produce economic benefits for our county and local communities. It’s a win-win for everyone and I’m thrilled to see our county continue to help preserve and promote our county’s history.”
