Deadline approaches for state grants for museums

(Harrisburg) — Midstate museums and county historical societies have a shot at nearly $2 million in state grants.

For the third year in a row, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is doling out the money after the legislature added it to the agency’s budget.

Grants can be worth up to $65,000 for museums, and $4,000 for historical societies.

The key point, says Commission spokesman Howard Pollman, is there are few limitations on where it goes.

“So this can pay for utilities, it can pay for salaries, it can pay for just operations. And anyone in the museum field will know those kind of unrestricted dollars are very difficult to come by,” he says.

Winning institutions can’t use the money to fund endowments, religious projects, capital improvement projects, or prizes and awards.

To be eligible, museums must not already be a recipient of state money.

Applications will be accepted until December 12th.