The Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program is a matching grant program created to foster and support the stewardship activities of municipalities and organizations that share Essex Heritage’s mission to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural and natural resources of the Essex National Heritage Area (Essex County). Impacting many in the region, the 26-year old program has invested more than $1.6 million in support of the region’s nationally significant heritage. Applications for the 2025 Partnership Grant Program will open in early January 2025.
Beginning this year, we’re offering some extra credit – 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 1776, with much of the groundwork of the having been set in years prior. Starting in 2024, projects specifically focusing on Essex County connections within the broader “Revolution 250” context will be given special consideration.
The program comprises four categories:
Education
Creating or further developing educational opportunities for youth. Examples include but are not limited to historical research projects, after-school programs, natural science programs, building research and site visits, documenting oral histories and developing digital resources.
Preservation
Preserving or enhancing historic structures, landscapes and cultural resources. Examples include but are not limited to preservation planning studies (historic resource inventory, historic structure report, structural assessment, paint analysis, historic landscape documentation and design), exterior and interior rehabilitation or restoration (cladding, roofs, windows, masonry, paint, floors, wall coverings, decorative elements), and historic landscape restoration (fences, walls, plant material, installation).
Interpretation
Increasing awareness and understanding of the region’s heritage. Examples include but are not limited to signage, brochures, maps, exhibits, public art installations, performance arts, and audio-visual programs.
Access and Inclusion
Provide accessibility accommodations for programming such as hiring Interpreters or using audio or visual aids, or make programming available to those who otherwise may not be able to experience them.
Over the life of the program, Essex Heritage has been able to provide matching grants to organizations in every community within Essex County.
For more information on the Partnership Grant Program, please contact Charles Smith, Manager of Future Resources
CharlesS@EssexHeritage.org
