Applications are currently being accepted for the new Historic Cemetery Grant program offered by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
“The Historic Cemetery Preservation program aims to help preserve historic cemeteries across the state and enable them to continue to serve their communities,” said Dr. Allyson Brooks, director of the State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, in a press release. “Washington State has more than 1,700 known cemeteries potentially eligible to take advantage of this new grant program. We hope the program encourages communities to take on projects of all sizes with renewed interest and appreciation in these important places.”
Eligible cemeteries must be over 50 years old and grant funds can be used to complete capital projects associated with the long term preservation and rehabilitation of the historic hallowed grounds. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process and reviewed by the Cemetery Advisory Committee.
Assessment criteria includes relative historic significance; relative percentage of military burials in the cemetery; project’s impact on future maintenance and operation costs and provisions provided for long-term preservation; urgency of the project; accessibility of the cemetery to the public; and the extent to which the project leverages community and volunteer support.
Grant applications are due by June, 29 and recipients will be announced in August. Application materials for the Historic Cemetery Grant Program can be downloaded online at https://dahp.wa.gov/HistoricCemeteryGrant
Anyone with questions about the program can contact Julianne Patterson by phone at 206-624-9449, or by email at jpatterson@preservewa.org.
