For History FAQ
Can I apply for more than one marker grant at the same time?
Yes! An applying agency may submit up to five (5) applications per grant round. You may also apply for multiple programs at once, including Legends & Lore®, National Register of Historic Places, Hungry for History®, and Historic Transportation.
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 MarkersWill the Pomeroy Foundation pay for my damaged marker?
While your historical marker should be publicly visible, we strongly suggest it be installed far enough back from the roadway to mitigate the likelihood of it being struck by a vehicle (e.g. lawnmowers, snowplows, construction equipment, trucks with large payloads, etc.). It is the responsibility of the grant recipient to carefully consider the proposed marker location before it’s installed. If damage or theft does occur, please notify us by emailing info@wgpfoundation.org or calling (315) 913-4060. We will guide you through next steps.
Categories: For History, Historic Transportation, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic Markers, Patriot Burials, Women's SuffrageWhat types of food do 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.
Qualifying food must meet all the following criteria:
Prepared, ready-to-eat dishes, such as an entrée or dessert, containing a minimum of 2 ingredients or dishes composed of a single ingredient that is only found within a specific location or region (e.g. Blue Point oysters from Great South Bay, Dungeness crabs from Pacific coast); Non-alcoholic drinks with more than one ingredient (e.g. egg creams); Food-related events or festivals that celebrate an individual dish that is historically significant to the greater community (events held solely as fundraisers do not qualify) and must still be held at time of application; Food or event must be created at least 50 years prior to the year of application; Food or event must be historically significant to the greater community or beyond, demonstrating a local tradition or aspect of cultural heritage; Dish (or specific variation) must have origins in the local or regional community; Dish is still available/eaten today or in some form.
What does not qualify?
Alcoholic beverages do not currently qualify. Current brand names are not allowed (e.g. Hershey’s, Kraft, etc.). Food/dishes that are available only through commercial production, including a restaurant’s signature dish not available elsewhere, do not qualify. That said, if the dish is not a brand name it may still qualify provided it has moved beyond being commercially produced and people in the local community make it themselves.
Categories: Hungry for HistoryCan I apply for a marker commemorating my home or commercial business?
Historic food dishes and events can still be commemorated if the location is privately owned or used commercially; however, they must be applied for through an eligible organization, and the marker must focus on the historically significant past. We will not commemorate current businesses without a qualifying historical past (see our Marker Criteria page).
Often, municipal historians or local historical organizations (or related nonprofits) will apply for a marker on behalf of the property owner. 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.
Categories: Hungry for HistoryThinking 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
I’m not sure of the best wording for the inscription on our marker. Can you help me?
Yes! Please give it your best shot first. It is common for us to suggest alternative text, even without being asked. Review our historical marker map for inspiration. We are always happy to help you throughout the application process! Contact us with questions about your proposed inscription.
Categories: Historic TransportationI’m not sure of the best wording for the inscription on our historic marker. Can you help me?
Yes! Please give it your best shot first. It is common for us to suggest alternative text, even without being asked. Include the names of people being commemorated on the title line of the marker. For example, “Amelia Jenks Bloomer” or “Jonathan Smith.” If there are too many to fit the marker, note their significance, as in “Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried Here.” Review our historic signage map for inspiration. Finally, we’re always happy to help! Contact us with questions about your proposed inscription.
Categories: NYS Historic Markers