As part of its WE THE PEOPLE initiative, the National Endowment for the Humanities announces two new grant programs for museums, historic sites and historical organizations. The next deadline is February 3, 2004, so it's not too late to think about applying!
AMERICA'S HISTORIC PLACES
NEH invites proposals for public programs that use one or more historic sites to address themes and issues central to American history. Projects can interpret a single historic site, a series of sites, whole neighborhoods, communities or towns, or larger geographical regions. The place taken as a whole must be significant to American history and the project must convey its importance to visitors. Projects should:
Increase the public's knowledge and appreciation of American history;
Encourage historic sites, communities, or regions to develop interpretive programs that address central themes and issues in American history;
Encourage consultation with humanities scholars and organizations in the development of heritage tourism destinations and itineraries; and
Focus on the development or implementation of interpretive content that tells a significant national story appropriate to the place.
Possible activities include docent tours, publications (e.g., brochures, guidebooks, etc.), driving or walking trails or tours, annotated itineraries, exhibition labeling or trail signage, film, and digital media.
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY
NEH invites proposals for substantive public humanities programs that encourage intergenerational learning about significant topics in U.S. history and culture, or that engage young people in reflection and discussion of defining events, eras, individuals or ideas in our nation's past. The goals of this grant emphasis are to:
Strengthen knowledge and appreciation of American history among young people through activities outside the classroom;
Encourage families to explore themes and ideas from American history together;
Stimulate the development of programming tailored to youth and family audiences among museums, libraries, historical societies and sites, parks, and other places in the community.
Programs might include intergenerational reading and discussion programs, history summer camps or oral history projects for young people.
AMERICA'S HISTORIC PLACES Projects and YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAS IN AMERICAN HISTORY will involve partnerships among organizations, and should take place at multiple venues regionally or nationally.
Single-site project applications may be competitive if they are of exceptional scope and quality, if they hold unusual promise as models, or if they are conceived as "pilots" for larger-scale projects.
Programs may take place at museums, historical societies or sites, libraries, parks or other places in the community. Activities that take place at schools during regular school hours or as part of the school curriculum are not eligible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about either of these grant programs, please contact:
Division of Public Programs
Phone: 202-606-8267
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Or visit the NEH web site: http://www.neh.gov