By. Alexis Hill, Intern
The Tennessee Historical Commission has awarded more than $1.1 million in federal grants to support historic preservation projects across the state.
The State Historic Preservation Office awarded 28 matching grants to nonprofits, local governments, universities and civic organizations through the Federal Historic Preservation Fund.
The grants will support a variety of projects focused on preserving historic buildings, archaeological resources and other important sites across Tennessee.
The Federal Historic Preservation Fund reimburses 60 percent of eligible project costs, while grant recipients provide a 40 percent match.
Miranda Montgomery, State Historic Preservation Office and interim executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission, said the grants will help document and restore places that contribute to Tennessee’s history.
Several projects in Middle Tennessee are among this year’s recipients.
In Maury County, the African American Heritage Society of Maury County received $9,000 for foundation restoration at the Mrs. A.J. Morton & Son Funeral Home. Maury County Government received $60,000 for roof restoration at the War Memorial Building.
The City of Algood in Putnam County received $18,000 for floor restoration at White Plains, while Middle Tennessee State University received $39,500 to prepare a National Register nomination for the Castalian Springs Mound Site in Rutherford County.
The South Central Tennessee Development District received $50,000 to fund a preservation specialist position serving the region.
Other grants will support projects ranging from courthouse and church restoration to historic surveys and archaeological studies.
Five Certified Local Government communities received funding during this grant cycle. One of those grants will provide $66,000 to the Town of Dandridge for roof and masonry restoration at the Hickman Tavern and Hickman Tavern Coach House in Jefferson County.
The Tennessee Historical Commission says projects receiving restoration funding must involve properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The next Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant cycle is scheduled to open in January 2027.
A complete list of grant recipients and additional information about the Federal Historic Preservation Fund is available through the Tennessee Historical Commission.
