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For History FAQ

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 Transportation

I’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

What if the inscription does not fill all the space on the marker?

Please use all the real estate on the marker. The online application includes blanks with limited character spaces to assist you in determining if your proposed text will fit on the marker. We require 1 title line and 5 lines of text. A required credit line at the bottom of the marker is already included for you.

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, Patriot Burials, Women's Suffrage

Why do we need to provide primary sources when the information appears in several books?

We can all agree that historic markers need to be historically accurate. The only way to ensure that is with primary sources. If the name William G. Pomeroy Foundation is on the credit line, we want to assure readers that the inscription may be relied upon without a doubt as being well-researched, well-written and historically accurate. Not only for those of us who are enjoying the markers today, but for future generations.

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage, Hungry for History, NYS Historic Markers

Do we pay for the marker or incur any other expenses?

No. The Pomeroy Foundation provides grants that pay for the entire cost of the marker, pole and shipping. Our grants do not require matching funds.

Once the marker grant application is approved, you will receive an email with a Letter of Agreement to be signed electronically by an authorized representative of your organization. When this is completed, the Foundation will mail a check for the total cost to your organization, as well as information that explains how to order the marker from our foundry.

The grantee is only responsible for the installation. Local public works, highway department or civic organizations often volunteer to help with this step.

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hometown Heritage, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic Markers, Patriot Burials, Women's Suffrage

Can 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 New York State. 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.

Categories: NYS Historic Markers

If my application is not approved due to insufficient documentation, may we resubmit our application during a future grant round if our documentation is complete? 

Yes. However, we often grant 30-day extensions to applicants in order to allow time to gather any additional primary sources we may request in support of your application.

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, NYS Historic Markers

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 during each grant round. Applicants cannot apply for more than five (5) markers per grant round. If you have an idea for a project involving more than five markers, please contact us to discuss further.

 

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic Markers, Patriot Burials

Can I apply for more than one marker grant at the same time?

Yes! You may apply for multiple markers in each grant round or in subsequent grant rounds. You may also apply for grants from different programs, including Legends & Lore®, National Register of Historic Places and Historic Transportation Canals. 

Categories: Historic Transportation, Hungry for History, Legends & Lore, National Register, NYS Historic Markers, Patriot Burials, Women's Suffrage

How do we define folklore?

We understand that the definition of folklore can vary greatly. For our purposes, we define folklore as generally describing traditional customs, tales, sayings, dances or art forms of a community shared by word of mouth or observation. Whether based in fiction or truth, folklore comprises the things people believe, say, do and make. Folklore can be expressed in numerous ways, including as legends, folktales, myths and superstitions.

Every state is unique. For specific questions about folklore and legends in your area, please reach out to your respective Legends & Lore State Partner.

Categories: For History, Legends & Lore