Grants offered for historic properties, archaeology projects

The State Historic Preservation Office is offering grants for work on historic properties and for archaeology projects. The annual grants fund up to $20,000 in matching funds for preservation projects.

The Preserving Oregon Grants fund preservation of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Work may include non-maintenance preservation like window repair, roof work, foundation projects, plumbing, and electrical needs.

Recently funded projects include preservation of the 1924 Tourist Ferry in Astoria, the former schoolhouse in Creswell, IOOF cabins at Paulina Lake, Santiam Ski Pass Lodge, the Brown House in Stayton, the Tilly Jane Warming Hut on Mt. Hood, and YU Contemporary in Portland.

The program also funds significant work contributing toward identifying, preserving and interpreting archaeological sites. An archaeology project was funded in Lincoln County.

The Diamonds in the Rough Grants help restore or reconstruct the facades of buildings that have been heavily altered over the years. These grants return buildings to their historic appearance and potentially qualify them for historic register designation (local or national). Façade projects in Cottage Grove, Dallas, Lebanon, Astoria, and The Dalles were funded in the last cycle.

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support. Free grant workshops on project planning, grant writing, and using the online grant application will be available. A workshop will be held in Salem on March 19 and a webinar workshop will be available on March 15. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.

To learn more about the grants and workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.