Hunterdon County Commissioners award $250K in grant funds to support arts and historical organizations
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Commissioners recently approved the largest grant funding allocation ever as recommended by the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission – in the amount $250,000 to support local arts and historical organizations.
These funds will help sustain and enhance the county’s local nonprofit cultural organizations, with a particular focus on projects related to the upcoming 250th Semiquincentennial Anniversary celebrations.
Commissioner Zach Rich, and liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Commission shared, “Hunterdon County has always been a place where history is celebrated and now is a growing arts destination. These grant funds represent our commitment to preserving our heritage while fostering creativity in our communities. We are excited to see how these investments empower local organizations to bring enriching programs and experiences to our residents and visitors.”
Grant Funding was awarded as follows:
- $150,000 to arts organizations through the Cultural & Heritage’s partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for Local Arts Program re-grantees.
- $40,000 to historical organizations through the Cultural & Heritage’s partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission for County History Partnership Program re-grantees.
- $60,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners for the 2024 Special Project Grant.
Representatives from several arts and history organizations attended the May 6th board meeting to celebrate the grant awards. These organizations included the Hunterdon County Historical Society, 1759 Vought House, Readington Museums, Lambertville Historical Society, Show Kids Invitational Theatre, Acme Screening Room, Music Mountain Theatre, Flemington DIY, Whitehouse Wind Symphony, Hunterdon Musical Arts, River Union Stage, Raritan River Music, and The Hunterdon Art Museum. Additional grant recipients include Roxy Ballet, ArtYard, the Hunterdon Choral Alliance, and Studio Route 29.
Many of these organizations will use the grant funding to develop projects that honor the historical celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. This milestone anniversary commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and is expected to be a year-long event, officially launching on Memorial Day 2025 and continuing through July 4th, 2026.
Hunterdon County looks forward to engaging residents in this historic celebration. Commissioner Rich shared in closing, “These grant funds will undoubtedly have a lasting impact supporting the vibrant arts and historical organizations in Hunterdon County and allow local organizations to honor America’s legacy.”
