Skip to main content

Historical Marker Grant Programs

Signature Programs

Our signature programs are fully administered by our dedicated staff who work closely with applicants to assist with the application process and review submitted materials such as primary sources.

These marker grant programs highlight subjects spanning everything from food history to folklore. Explore our program options to learn more about a signage grant program that aligns with the local history you’re passionate about. Either browse the options listed below or take a deeper dive with our digital booklet.

Our grants are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions and local, state and federal government entities.

Click the image above to view our brochure.

The focus of the Pomeroy Foundation’s 2023 signage funding will be on the cast aluminum, roadside marker style found in all Foundation signature marker programs. Other types of signage, including interpretive, directional, plaques and markers made of materials other than cast aluminum will not be considered this year. The Foundation will not fund requests for signage unless created in partnership with the Foundation.

The Pomeroy Foundation's Hungry For History Marker

Hungry for History® Marker Grant Program

The Hungry for History grant program celebrates America’s food history by telling the stories of local and regional prepared food dishes across the United States. This program is designed to commemorate significant food dishes (such as Key Lime Pie, Philly Cheesesteak, Lobster Roll, etc.) created prior to 1970 and the role they play in defining American culture and forging community identity.

Available nationwide.

Learn More
Sample marker design for the William G. Pomeroy Foundation's Hometown Heritage grant program.

Hometown Heritage™ Marker Grant Program

The Hometown Heritage™ marker program commemorates people, places, things or events that are historically significant. This nationwide program seeks to highlight local history, especially for those in states without marker programs or for subjects which may not qualify for the applicant’s official state marker program. Hometown Heritage helps communities to commemorate and preserve important historic milestones.

Available nationwide.

Learn More
Sample marker design for the William G. Pomeroy Foundation's Historic Transportation Grant Program.

Historic Transportation Marker Grant Program

The Historic Transportation marker program highlights the historical importance of transportation in the United States, including canals, bridges and tunnels, railroads and aircraft. After World War II, the nation saw significant changes in transportation with the construction of interstate highways and increased automobile use. This marker program commemorates the way in which goods and people were transported prior to these transformative events.

Available nationwide.

Learn More
The Pomeroy Foundation's National Historic Register Marker

National Register Signage Grant Program

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. When a property or district is placed on the National Register, the designation does not include funding for signage, and many locations go without this recognition. Our objective is to fill that gap by providing grants for either a plaque or a marker at public properties and historic districts.

Available nationwide.

Learn More
The Pomeroy Foundation's Legends and Lore Marker

Legends & Lore® Marker Grant Program

Our Legends & Lore grant program commemorates folklore, which generally speaking encompasses the stories, customs, traditions and expressive arts and crafts passed from one person to another, often across generations. Telling these special shared stories with roadside markers helps communities promote cultural tourism and commemorate their local folklore and legends as part of their heritage.

Available in 14 states: AL, CT, ID, LA, MO, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT and WV.

Learn More
The Pomeroy Foundation's New York State Historic Markers

New York State Historic Marker Grant Program

Our very first marker grant program, the New York State Historic Marker Grant Program, is what started it all. New York State stopped funding historic markers in 1939 and Foundation Founder Bill Pomeroy recognized a community need. This grant program commemorates historic people, places, things, or events within the time frame of 1683-1924.

New York State exclusive.

Learn More
The United States with several visible markers indicating historic marker locations.

Browse our database and map to locate Pomeroy Foundation-funded markers and plaques across the United States.

Browse