Happy Valley Times

Cultural and Historical Support Grants have been awarded to the Clearfield County and Elk County historical societies. The announcement was made by state Representative Mike Armanini, who serves Clearfield and Elk counties in Pennsylvania. According to Armanini, these organizations will each receive $8,000 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Armanini acknowledged the role of volunteers in sustaining these historical societies. He noted, "Volunteers are the primary reasons these two grant recipients exist for our communities to enjoy, and I’m proud of the hard work and time the men and women who support them contribute in order to preserve our local history." He also commended the leaders of these societies for their efforts in securing these competitive grants.

The grants are determined based on a percentage of the organization's annual operating budget, with eligible grants ranging from $4,000 to $44,945. The program aims to support Pennsylvania museums and official county historical societies meeting certain criteria, including not being directly supported by other state funding programs, having an annual operating budget over $100,000 excluding capital and in-kind services, and employing at least one full-time professional staff member or its equivalent.

The Clearfield County Historical Society is associated with several sites, including the Kerr House Museum, Alexander Genealogical Research Center, and Knox Cabin Museum. The Elk County Historical Society operates The Robinson Museum, Center Street House, and Decker’s Chapel.

For more information on the grants or other state matters, residents are encouraged to contact Representative Armanini’s district offices in St. Marys, DuBois, or Clearfield.