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.
For an instructional guide on how to apply, click here: How to Apply
Ready to apply? Click here: Apply for Grant
Eligibility
Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the United States. 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. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact an eligible local organization, such as a municipal historian or historical organization. They will often apply for the grant on behalf of the individual.
Marker Inscription
The text on National Register signage is fixed, except for property name and year of National Register designation. The inscription reads as follows:
<property name>
HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF
HISTORICAL PLACES IN <year>
BY THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION
Marker Design
The colors of the roadside marker are brown with white highlighted lettering and border (as pictured above). Markers are 18” x 32” cast aluminum with a 7’ aluminum pole.
Plaque Design
Applicants may select between two different designs upon grant acceptance. Plaques are 9” x 13” in bronze.
*Update- now both plaque designs include designation year in text.
Grant Application Deadline
National Register grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis any time of the year. There is no application deadline.
Grant Application Procedure
Applications are only accepted online. To create an account and apply, please use this link: Apply for Grant
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)
Additional required documents are:
- 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
Primary sources are not required for this grant program.
Our National Register signage grants are fully funded and include the marker and pole or plaque, and shipping costs. There is no cost to you. If your application is approved, upon receipt of your signed Acceptance Letter, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation will mail a check for the total amount made payable to the applying agency. Instructions for ordering your marker or plaque will be provided via email. The grant recipient is responsible for the installation of the signage.
Roadside 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.
Before installing your marker, please be sure you are following all of your state’s guidelines around digging and excavation.
Helpful Links
Questions?
Contact Christy at info@wgpfoundation.org or 315-913-4060, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm (EST).