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Celebrating New York’s Folklore With Roadside Markers

Legends & LoreTM Roadside Marker Grant Program Accepting Applications Through October 31

What unique stories are in your community? There’s many all across the Empire State: In Madison County, there’s a tale of a giant turtle that dragged a farmer’s wagon into a lake. Local lore in Suffolk County says Benjamin Franklin personally marked off a postal road. Legend has it that Washington Irving based his “Sleepy Hollow” character Ichabod Crane on a real teacher from Columbia County.

These stories, and many more, are being recognized through the Legends & LoreTM Roadside Marker Grant Program launched by The William G. Pomeroy Foundation in partnership with the New York Folklore Society. This unique roadside marker program was established in 2015 to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore in New York State.

“From curious characters to strange sightings and tall tales, the Legends & Lore marker program showcases unusual stories rooted in the cultural heritage,” says Paula Miller, Executive Director of The William G. Pomeroy Foundation. “We’ve provided fully funded grants for more than 35 of these specially designed markers across New York State and we’re looking forward to receiving more grant applications. What stories in your community should be told?”

Grants cover the entire cost of a marker, pole, and shipping. Application materials for Legends & Lore markers are available on the Foundation’s website: www.wgpfoundation.org. The deadline for applying is Wednesday, October 31, 2018. For information about all of the Pomeroy Foundation’s historic signage grant programs, how to apply, and grant guidelines, visit: wgpfoundation.org or call (315) 913-4060. 

About the Pomeroy Foundation

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private, grant-making foundation established in 2005. The Foundation is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 700 grants for historic signage in New York State and beyond. Visit: www.wgpfoundation.org

About New York Folklore Society

The New York Folklore Society fosters the study, promotion, and continuation of folklore and folklife of New York’s diverse cultures through education, advocacy, support and outreach. Visit: http://www.nyfolklore.org/

Media Inquires

Steve Bodnar
Communications Manager
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation
steve@wgpfoundation.org
315-913-4068