Hometown Heritage 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 MarkersCan 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 SuffrageHow 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 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 SuffrageWhy 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 MarkersDo 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