Essex Heritage Commission To Award 20 Grants to Local Organizations

SALEM, MA - To celebrate its birthday, the Essex National Heritage Commission is deciding to give back.

Essex Heritage announced the 2016 Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program in a press release Wednesday, which will award 20 local heritage organizations $2,000 grants. Organizations can submit online applications for the grants for projects that “support Essex Heritage’s mission to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Essex National Heritage Area.” Applications will be accepted until Monday, Feb. 15.

The projects must fall under one of three categories.

• Education: Create or further develop educational opportunities for youth.
• Interpretation: Increase awareness and understanding of the region’s heritage.
• Preservation: Preserve or enhance historic structures, landscapes and cultural resources.

“Essex Heritage is thrilled to celebrate the launch of its 20th anniversary year by offering grants for local projects that foster the enlightened stewardship of Essex County’s truly remarkable history, places, and stories,” said Annie C. Harris, Essex Heritage CEO, in the press release. “We are proud to have provided funding to every community in Essex County through the grant program. And yet we recognize that many organizations still need seed money for worthwhile projects that preserve and promote our unique cultural heritage.”