MCHS to Receive Illinois Humanities Grant
Christmas came early for the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS). The Society has just learned it will be the recipient of a $10,000 grant from Illinois Humanities which can be used for general operating expenses. MCHS was awarded these funds in recognition of its educational outreach programming, professional teacher education workshops, outreach to underserved communities, and efforts to reduce costs.Educational outreach programming includes the MCHS Summer History Camp, Living History Days, Chautauqua, the Family History Walk, and the MCHS Speaker Series.
Dr. Stephen Hansen, a member of the MCHS Board of Directors and grant writer for the organization, was especially pleased with this grant. First, because this kind of grant, for operating expenses, is very difficult to obtain, and secondly, because it is a recognition of the exemplary work being done by MCHS.
Recent MCHS efforts to reduce costs include applying for permits to install solar panels on the Madison County Archival Library building to capture energy that can be used to pay electrical expenses for the museum building next door. The 1836 museum building, often referred to as the Weir House, has high electrical costs, but since it is a National Historic Register property, solar panels were not an option.
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly (through the Illinois Arts Council Agency), as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.
According to Illinois Humanities, “General Operating Grants, like this one, support organizations that are firmly rooted in the humanities. From cultural and ethnic organizations to museums, libraries, and consortiums, these organizations broaden possibilities and increase access to the public humanities. These unrestricted funds empower growth and sustainability by providing recipients with more flexibility and freedom to allocate resources wherever they need them most."
MCHS, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, continues to seek additional funding sources. There are numerous opportunities for businesses or individuals to sponsor issues of the award-winning MCHS News, the MCHS Speaker Series or other programs. If interested, call 618-656-1294.