For Immediate Release:

March 10, 2016

County historic preservation grants presented

17 projects share in $60,422 grant money

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Historical Commission recently awarded preservation grants totaling $60,422 for 17 restoration projects.

The Historical Commission is dedicated to preserving the past and creating a living history.  The types of projects eligible for funding are preservation, restoration or rehabilitation of historic structures, usually 50 years or older, and which are accessible to the public. The program covers essentially structural work for projects commonly known as “bricks and mortar” undertakings.

“The on-going preservation and restoration of meeting halls, offices, churches and former homes helps make history real and present in our daily lives,” Burry said. “It is important to maintain and restore these landmarks to their original glory and interpret their importance for generations to come.”

The Monmouth County Historical Commission was created by the Board of Chosen Freeholders for the preservation and conservation of local history. Established in August 1988, its principal program is the preservation grants, an undertaking that recognizes the acute need for funds to preserve Monmouth County’s rich and diverse historic legacy. The commission grants matching funds on a competitive basis to municipalities and nonprofit organizations needing financial help to accomplish these endeavors.

“The Historical Commission provides both sustained support and an open door for new projects,”    said John Fabiano, Executive Director of the Historical Commission. “Once again, we have an interesting mix of grantees that are moving these great preservation projects forward.”

Each grant application must include a description of the mission, its meaning and significance to history and the significance and the audience it serves. It must also include a detailed budget, a source of funding available for the applicant’s dollar-for-dollar contribution, detailed quotations for the work, the materials to be used and a time frame for completion.

There is a $500 minimum request threshold per applicant in any year. The program is competitive and the commission requires proof of the availability of matching funds.

The Historical Commission’s Annual Preservation Awards ceremony was held Feb. 22 at the Hall of Records in Freehold where recipients received checks for the first half of their award.

Each grantee is required to submit interim and final reports. The interim report is due when 50 percent of the work is completed. The final report, due at completion, must show evidence of completion and a canceled check to document payment to the contractor.

The deadline for applying for the preservation grants is Nov. 1 of every year. Information about the Historical Commission grant program can be found at www.visitmonmouth.com.

The 2016 Preservation Grant recipients are:

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