National Register Signage Grant Program
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. More than 93,000 properties are listed in the National Register, representing 1.8 million contributing resources (e.g. buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects).
When a property or district is placed on the National Register, the designation does not include funding for a plaque or sign. As a result, many do not have any signage. The Pomeroy Foundation bridges this gap to provide grants so public properties & historic districts can commemorate their placement and share this achievement with their community.
Ready to apply? Get started here: Apply for Grant
Eligibility
This program is open to local, state and federal government entities, nonprofit academic institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations. Please note that signage is not available for private residences or commercial properties; only sites owned by the entities previously listed are eligible for National Register signage. Applicants may apply for up to five (5) markers per grant round. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact an eligible local organization, such as a municipal historian or historical society.
Marker Design and Text
The colors of the roadside marker are brown with white highlighted lettering and border. Markers are 18” x 32” cast aluminum with a 7’ aluminum pole. There is a required Pomeroy Foundation credit line at the bottom of the marker which is always included. Each marker will also be numbered according to its place in the National Register series. The text is a set formula that uses the official title of the historical resource on the National Register, as written on the official designation. The text will look like this:
HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF
HISTORICAL PLACES IN
BY THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION
Plaque Design
We offer two styles of wall mounted plaques, pictured below, in lieu of a marker mounted on a pole. This can be a great option if you would like to also apply for a historical marker through one of our other programs.
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’s guidelines around digging and excavation.
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
- Proposed installation location in specific detail (including GPS coordinates)
- A copy of National Register designation letter (if unable to provide, please contact us to verify your designation)
- A letter from the landowner granting permission for the marker/plaque to be installed
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: National Register Guide
Application Deadlines
National Register grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis at any time of the year. There is no application deadline.
Questions?
Contact Christy at info@wgpfoundation.org or 315-913-4060, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm (EST).