By Megan Piette
The 2013-2014 state budget reserved $2 million for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission museum grant program. This is almost double the funding it received from the 2012-2013 budget. Said grants can range from $3,000 to $65,000 and applications are required by March 14. Members of the commission, including Senate President Joe Scarnati, Speaker of the House Sam Smith, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman, and several others stress how important museums are for educating the public. Here is a taste of what they had to say:
“Our Commonwealth is fortunate to have outstanding museums and historic sites across all of Pennsylvania,” Senator Scarnati said. “I am pleased that again this year, the historical support grants will help to preserve our history by offering many museums and historical societies assistance they need to continue providing excellent educational opportunities, while also raising the quality of life for Pennsylvania residents.”
“Museums inspire curiosity and allow people to interpret works of art, history and culture,” Representative Smith stated. “For the public good, they collect, safeguard and hold in trust valuable artifacts.”
“Pennsylvania’s museums connect us to our state’s rich history and teach us important lessons from the past to help us be a better state today,” Senator Pileggi said. “I’m pleased to support this important grant program.”
“A museum preserves archives and displays important historical collections,” Representative Turzai said. “We ask museums to apply for General Operating Support for grants to maintain these valuable treasures of our Commonwealth, and to ensure future generations can learn from them.”
