The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, has announced 32 Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants totaling over $750,000 awarded for various historic preservation and archaeological projects throughout the state. The grants are awarded annually for projects that support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources. "This program is one of the main ways in which our office helps protect historic places and contribute to the preservation of Tennessee's heritage," said Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer.
In Rutherford County, 2 grants will be utilized by MTSU:
• MTSU Department of Sociology and Anthropology: $3,402 for posters for Tennessee Archaeology Week.
• MTSU Fullerton Laboratory for Spatial Technology: $50,000 to digitize data for historic / architectural survey files and for survey data entry for computerization of survey files.
One of the grant priorities is for projects that are in Certified Local Governments (CLG), a program that allows communities to participate closely in the federal program of historic preservation. Seven CLG communities were awarded grants this year. Additional priorities include those that meet the goals and objectives of the office's plan for historic preservation. Properties that use the restoration grants must be listed in the National Register.
The next round of grants is expected to be opened in December 2019 with applications due in January 2020. Check www.tnhistoricalcommission.org for updates.