3 Montco Museums Receive Cultural, Historical Grants

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Three Montgomery County museums are among 155 across Pennsylvania that received grants from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission this week.

The grants aim to support museums and historical societies that do not receive state funding, the commission said in a news release. The nearly $2 million in grants dolled out this week can be used to support general operational costs.

“Pennsylvania’s wonderful museums and historical societies continue to preserve and share the state’s rich history and culture through the stories they tell,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. “These funds, awarded to museums and historical societies across the commonwealth, at a time when many of our cultural and historical institution have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, will help ensure these facilities are able to continue serving as educational resources for all Pennsylvanians.”

The commission said funds were available to certain museums with operating budgets exceeding $100,000 and employing at least one full-time staff member. Award amounts were determined using last year's operating budgets and ranged in value from $4,000 to $40,000.

The Historical Society of Montgomery County was awarded $4,000, the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania received $4,000 and the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center was granted $7,560.

“[The comission] is delighted to once again award these general operating support grants to museums and historical societies, especially as museums face extreme financial challenges related to the pandemic. These grants make a difference in communities all across the commonwealth, connecting Pennsylvanians with their history, serving as economic drivers, and contributing to the quality of life,” PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery said in a statement.