Grants available for Oregon museum projects
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.
“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 education projects at the Cannon Beach History Center and Wallowa History Center;
- Collections projects by City of Sumpter, City of Willamina, Five Oaks Museum (Washington County), Gresham Historical Society, Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum (Portland), Jackknife-Zion-Horsehaven Historical Society (Clackamas County), Keizer Heritage Foundation, Oregon Fire Service Museum, Memorial and Learning Center (Marion County), Shelton McMurphey Johnson Associates (Eugene), Southern Oregon Historical Society (Medford); and
- Tourism projects by the Benton County Historical Society (Philomath) and Gold Hill Historical Society.
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 February 11, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Advance registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.
The Heritage Commission is comprised 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 www.oregonheritage.org. For additional questions, translation and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
