Chesco Arts Organizations Get State Grants

In his first meeting as a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission member state Sen. Andy Dinniman joined his fellow commissioners in approving grants for seven Chester County cultural and arts organizations.

On Wednesday Dinniman and fellow commissioners approved the following applications submitted to the PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program:

• $24,935 for the Chester County Historical Society.
• $12,302 for Historic Yellow Springs in Chester Springs.
• $11,308 for the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center.
• $9,888 for the Graystone Society in Coatesville.
• $5,737 for the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli.
• $4,636 for Historic Sugartown in Malvern.
• $4,440 for the Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust in Chester Springs.

“Each of these organizations adds to the quality of life in Chester County in their own unique way,” Dinniman said. “Be it by documenting and exhibiting the history of Chester County, by inspiring young minds about flight, or by showcasing the life and work of one of America’s greatest craftsman, Chester County’s organizations and museums teach us about our past and prepare us for our future.”

On Wednesday the PHMC also approved placement of one of its familiar blue-with-gold-lettering historical markers at the Devon Horse Show grounds. The marker will tout the Devon Horse Show’s beginnings in 1896 and its status as the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the nation.

Dinniman said attending his first meeting as a PHMC commissioner was exciting.

“I have a lifelong appreciation of history and, as both a county commissioner and state senator, have worked to preserve the culture and history of Chester County,” said Dinniman, a member of the Chester County Historical Society’s board of trustees. “Now, as a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission I have the opportunity to pursue the same mission but on a commonwealth-wide level, and I look forward to the challenge.”

The PHMC on Wednesday approved grants for more than 60 groups throughout the Commonwealth.