OAC’s partnership with the Pomeroy Foundation brings markers of legends and lore to Buckeye StateCOLUMBUS, Ohio – July 28, 2022
Thanks to a new partnership between the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, communities across Ohio can now showcase their stories, customs and traditions through a Road Marker Grant Program named Legends & Lore®.
Launched by the Pomeroy Foundation in 2015, the Legends & Lore grant program helps communities commemorate their local folklore and legends and promote cultural tourism with roadside markers. The OAC, which funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities, has joined the grantmaking program as a state partner of the Pomeroy Foundation. The CAO will help review grant applications and ensure the legitimacy of folklore proposed for commemoration.
“Encouraging cultural tourism is an important part of fostering a vibrant arts economy in Ohio,” said Donna S. Collins, CAO’s Executive Director. “The Ohio Arts Council looks forward to spotlighting local folk and traditional arts and culture through Legends & Lore.”
The Pomeroy Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Syracuse, NY One of the Foundation’s main initiatives is to help people celebrate their community’s history by providing grants for road markers. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded nearly 1,800 grants for bronze markers and plaques in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Ohio Arts Council to bring this unique grant opportunity to Buckeye State,” said Deryn Pomeroy, Trustee and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Pomeroy Foundation. “The Legends & Lore marker program has already helped communities across the country commemorate cultural traditions, customs and stories that are important to them. Through our partnership with the OAC, we look forward to recognizing Ohio’s diverse folk and traditional arts landscape with road markers.
Over 140 Legends & Lore Marker Grants have been awarded by the Pomeroy Foundation since the program’s inception. In addition to Ohio, Legends & Lore grants are currently available in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. Prospective applicants should apply through a local 501(c)(3) organization, such as a historical society; non-profit academic institution; or a local, state or federal government entity.
There are two rounds of Legends & Lore grants each year. The second round of Legends & Lore grants in 2022 will open on Monday, August 29. The deadline to submit a marker grant application during this cycle will be Monday, October 17, 2022. Legends & Lore grant funding includes the full cost of a marker, pole, and shipping. For program guidelines and details on how to apply online, visit the Foundation’s website: www.wgpfoundation.org/history/legends-lore/
