For History FAQ
Does the Foundation limit the number of markers it funds each grant round?
Our historic marker grants are non-competitive, which means we do not limit the total number of marker grants awarded each calendar year. Applicants cannot apply for more than five (5) markers per calendar year. If you have an idea for a project involving more than five markers, please contact us to discuss further.
Categories: Hometown Heritage
Can I apply for more than one marker grant at the same time?
Yes! However, first-time applicants are limited to one application. Once your initial application has been successful, you may apply for multiple markers in each calendar year or in subsequent calendar years. You may also apply for grants from different programs, including Legends & Lore®, National Register of Historic Places and Historic Transportation Canals.
Categories: Hometown HeritageWill submitting my application early increase my chances of receiving funding?
All applications submitted by the deadlines are considered for funding equally. As long as a qualifying application is received on time, it does not change the likelihood of whether or not it’s funded.
Categories: For History, Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic MarkersWhat if my Hungry for History marker idea is a food-related festival or event?
Hungry for History was developed to help communities highlight their locally and regionally created food dishes. Within that scope, we accept applications commemorating food-related events or festivals that celebrate an individual dish that is historically significant to the greater community and must still be held at time of application. Events held solely as fundraisers do not qualify. Please note, you cannot apply for separate markers celebrating a food dish and its related festival.
Categories: Hungry for HistoryWill the Pomeroy Foundation pay for my damaged marker?
The Foundation does not pay for the replacement of markers that have been damaged (caused by cars, snowplows, vandals, etc.) or stolen. While markers are intended to be placed in areas where they can be viewed by the public, it is the grantee’s responsibility to carefully consider location. We strongly suggest that markers be installed far enough back from the roadway to mitigate the likelihood of being hit by a vehicle, including plows and trucks with large payloads. If damage or theft occurs, please consult your insurance provider.
Categories: For History, Historic Transportation, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic Markers, Patriot Burials, Women's SuffrageWhat types of food qualify and don’t qualify for Hungry for History® markers?
Hungry for History spotlights the diversity of foods across the United States embedded in community history, cultural heritage and traditions. To qualify for a marker, food dishes need to meet specific criteria.
What qualifies?
Qualifying food must meet all the following criteria: must be a prepared, ready-to-eat dish, such as an entrée or dessert; must contain a minimum of 2 ingredients; dish must be created prior to 1970; dish must be historically significant to the greater community or beyond; dish (or variation of dish) must have origins in the local or regional community; dish is still available/eaten today or in some form; no brand names allowed (e.g. Hershey’s, Kraft, etc.).
In addition, we also accept applications for non-alcoholic drinks with more than one ingredient (e.g. egg creams), as well as dishes composed of a single food item only found within a specific location or region (e.g. Blue Point oysters from Great South Bay, Dungeness crabs from Pacific coast).
What does not qualify?
Food available only through commercial production, including for example a restaurant’s signature dish not available elsewhere. However, as long as the prepared dish is not a brand name, it may qualify if it has moved beyond being commercially produced and now people at home make it themselves as a local or regional specialty.
Other non-qualifying items include: condiments and sauces, candy, alcoholic beverages.
Categories: Hungry for HistoryCan I apply for a marker commemorating my home or commercial business?
Our grants are open to all municipalities, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and nonprofit academic institutions in the United States. The applying agency must fall into one of these categories. Often, municipal historians or local historical organizations (or related nonprofits) will apply for a marker on behalf of the property owner.
Please note that we do not award National Register marker grants for private residences or commercial properties.
Categories: Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, Women's SuffrageThinking about using the words “patriot” or “veteran” in your proposed marker text?
When commemorating a person’s role in history, we prefer specific actions or accomplishments are noted. While patriot is often used to denote loyalty to the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War, please describe the actual type of service. Examples include military service, militia, civil service (municipal officials under state or local governments), membership in a committee created to further the cause of independence, or rendering material aid such as supplies or munitions.
When noting burials in a cemetery include veterans, please be certain you are not including those killed in service as veterans. As they did not have the opportunity to become veterans, they should be noted as members of the branch of service in which they served at the time of their death.
Categories: For History, NYS Historic MarkersHow do I maintain and care for my new marker?
Your marker is manufactured to last for many, many years. But did you know that regular maintenance can help extend your marker’s “like new” look for decades to come? Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
Carefully planned placement of your marker
- Markers last much longer when they are placed in a location that minimizes the impact of the elements. Take into consideration the proximity of your planned location to roads, passing snowplows, trees, utility poles, water, etc.
Marker pole preparation
- We recommend using a piece of poly plastic between the connecting surfaces of the pole and marker. This is a simple yet effective way of keeping the surfaces from corroding together and making removal of the marker from the pole much easier if ever needed. An oversized piece of plastic can be cut, then draped over the top of the pole, and temporarily taped in place while the marker is set on the pole. Once the screws of the mount have been tightened, carefully trim off the excess plastic at the base of the marker, making sure not to cut into the coating on the pole.
Annual cleaning
- Cleaning your marker once a year with a mild mix of soap and water will extend the life of your marker. In doing so, you are removing a layer of road salt, dust, pollen, tree sap and other contaminants that will eventually degrade your marker’s coating. You may have to clean your marker more frequently if it is exposed to extreme conditions. Non-metal brushes or cloth are recommended for cleaning.
What is the National Register of Historic Places and how does a property get listed?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect historic and archeological resources in the United States.
National Register Designations
Contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or check their web page for information about the National Register, research materials and necessary forms to begin the nomination process. If the property is on federal or tribal land, then the process starts with the Federal Preservation Office or Tribal Preservation Office.
Categories: National Register