Bethel Historical Society to Receive $69K Grant from CT Office of the Arts

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) recently announced the granting of $1,990,386 to 20 nonprofits that sponsor cultural and historic sites in the state, according to a release.

Grants are being awarded from the Good to Great Program to eligible organizations that promote science, art, culture, or the history of Connecticut.

Bethel Historical Society will receive $69,286.

“Connecticut has a rich cultural history. By making these investments, we’re ensuring that our museums and other cultural sites remain unique, world-class places to visit and become much more compelling experiences for visitors,” Governor Malloy said.

“Connecticut is an incredible place to live and visit – and we’re working hard today so that our state has an even brighter future tomorrow.”

The program targets smaller and mid-sized cultural organizations that have received limited state funding in the past.

The grant award winners are as follows:

• Fairfield Museum: $125,000, Fairfield
• Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society: $125,000, West Hartford
• Wilton Historical Society: $125,000, Wilton
• I-Park $110,000, East Haddam
• The Institute Library: $125,000, New Haven
• P.L.A.C.E.: $60,000, Hamden
• Hygienic Art: $125,000, New London
• Kidsplay Children Museum: $125,000, Torrington
• Torrington Historical Society: $77,250, Torrington
• New London Maritime Society: $125,000. New London
• Milford Arts Council: $60,000, Milford
• Landmark Community Theater: $100,000, Thomaston
• The Friends of Booth Park: $60,000, Stratford
• New Britain Arts Alliance: $70,000, New Britain
• Gunn Memorial Museum: $100,000. Washington
• Stratford Stage Group: $125,000, Stratford
• Hartbeat Ensemble: $83,850, Hartford
• Bethel Historical Societ:y $69,286, Bethel
• Friends of the Wood Memorial Library & Museum: $75,000, South Windsor
• Shoreline Arts Alliance: $125,000, Guilford/Madison

“Interest in the program was very strong, as DECD received 46 applications. From those we had to choose the strongest projects that fit our criteria,” said Catherine Smith, commissioner of DECD.

“DECD is prioritizing funding for projects that demonstrate a clear vision of how individual sites and organizations can improve the customer experience, effectively tie together local, regional or statewide cultural assets, and promote more visitors. Our state’s commitment to assisting communities in leveraging their cultural assets is core to the new Good to Great pilot program.”

“I am happy to have been part of the effort to bring important resources to assist our state’s historical and cultural treasures,” said State Senator John Fonfara, a driving force behind the creation of the program.

Photo: Bethel Historical Society