Legends and Folklore Subject Matter Guidelines

Successful Legends & Lore marker applications typically fall within three main categories:

• Folktale — Fictional stories passed down about people or events not proven to have existed. (e.g. Thirteen Curves, Champy, Headless Horseman, Tramping Ground)
• Legends — Stories passed down that are popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable. (e.g. Grancer’s Ghost, Betsy’s Ride, Natty Bumppo, “Natty Bumppo”)
• Folklife — Traditions such as music, skills, crafts, and events passed along within a community. Often involving real people* that can be verified with primary sources. (e.g. “Goose Day,” The Arborglyphs, Dennis McGee, Herbs & Healing, Folk Singer)

Subjects which are not successful include:

• Historical events lacking a folkloric aspect
• *Legendary or famous persons lacking a folkloric aspect to the story
• Purely literary creations
• Personal/family folklore which does not extend to the greater community
• Historical reenactments

Eligibility

Legends & Lore® marker grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the United States. Applicants may apply for up to five (5) markers per grant round. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact an eligible local organization, such as an applicable historical society or folklore-related nonprofit. They will often apply for the grant on behalf of the individual.

Please note that Legends & Lore® is currently available in the following 15 states: Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. Check back regularly for program availability in your state.

Become a Partner

As we expand nationally, we seek to partner with folklore organizations, folklore-related academic departments, and state-sponsored councils & agencies with subject expertise to evaluate Legends & Lore® grant applications and promote the program statewide. Visit Legends & Lore partners page for details, benefits, and eligibility.

Marker Design and Text

The color of Legends & Lore® markers is deep red with light beige lettering and border. Markers are 18” x 32” cast aluminum with a 7’ aluminum pole. The title line allows 15 characters, and the five body lines can have 27 characters each, including spaces and punctuation.

Each Legends & Lore® marker includes two credit lines below the inscription. The first line features the name of the Foundation’s state folklore partner. The second line lists the Foundation’s name followed by the year granted. Each marker will also be numbered according to its place in the Legends & Lore® series. The emblem at the top of each marker displays a moon and stars design.

For more guidance on the marker inscription, see our Marker Criteria page.

Marker Placement

Please carefully consider the location where the marker is to be installed.

• Markers should not be placed on high-traffic roadways or roadways where vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed if there is no place for a vehicle to safely pull over out of traffic.
• Markers should not be placed where the visitor must intrude on private property to read it or view a site related to the marker inscription.
• Before installing your marker, please be sure you are following all of your state guidelines around digging and excavation.

For more information about marker location recommendations, see our Marker Criteria page.

Subject Matter Accuracy

Primary sources are not required for this grant program. However, supporting documents are required as part of the application to demonstrate that the proposed inscription is a valid example of a legend or folklore according to criteria stated in the Subject Criteria section above. Be sure to provide scanned copies of documents, not just indexes or citations. Applications submitted without supporting documentation will not be approved.

See our Accepted Sources page for more information on what kind of documentation you can use to support your marker inscription.

Application Procedure

We only offer an online application.

Applications must include the following:

• The applying agency’s information
• Contact information for the person responsible for the application
• A proposed installation location with specific details (including GPS coordinates and an optional photo upload)
• A brief description and explanation of the historical significance of what is being commemorated
• A proposed inscription for marker
• A letter from the landowner granting permission for the marker to be installed on their property
• Documentation supporting the proposed marker inscription

Evaluation and approval can take up to three months after submission. You may be contacted for additional information, so be sure to use an email that is checked regularly.

Approved marker grants are fully funded and include the marker, pole, and shipping costs. If approved, the Foundation will send a Letter of Agreement to be signed. When the letter is signed, a check is mailed for the total amount made payable to the applying agency. The agency is responsible for cashing the check, then issuing the payment to the foundry and sending in the order form provided. Instructions for ordering the marker will accompany the grant check and order form. The grant recipient is responsible for installation of the marker, and we provide an installation guide as well.

For more detailed instructions, see our How to Apply guide: How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Important Dates

2026 ROUND 1

• 3/9/26 – Application available online
• 4/27/26 – Application deadline

2026 ROUND 2

• 8/24/26 – Application available online
• 10/12/26 – Application deadline

Evaluation can take up to three months after the grant round closes. We will email you with a status update.

Begin Your Application

Apply for Marker Grant

Questions?

Contact Christy at info@wgpfoundation.org or 315-913-4060, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm (EST).

Last updated: March 9, 2026