Grants available for historic markers

From curious creature to strange sightings, the program showcases an area’s unusual stories.

Across the Empire State, several communities have unique stories. In Madison County, there’s a tale of a giant turtle that dragged a farmer’s wagon into a lake. Local lore in SuffolkCounty says Benjamin Franklin personally marked off a postal road. Legend has it that Washington Irving based his “Sleepy Hollow” character Ichabod Crane on a real teacher from Columbia County.

These stories, and many more, are being recognized through the Legends & Lore Roadside Marker Grant Program launched by The William G. Pomeroy Foundation in partnership with the New York Folklore Society. This unique roadside marker programwas established in 2015 to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore in New York State.

“From curious characters to strange sightings and tall tales, the Legends & Lore marker program showcases unusual stories rooted in the cultural heritage,” says Paula Miller, executive director of The William G. Pomeroy Foundation. “We’ve provided fully funded grants for more than 35 of these specially designed markers across New York state and we’re looking forward to receiving more grant applications. What stories in your community should be told?”

Grants cover the entire cost of a marker, pole, and shipping. Application materials for Legends & Lore markers are available on the Foundation’s website: www.wgpfoundation.org. The deadline for applying is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

For information about all of the Pomeroy Foundation’s historic signage grant programs, how to apply, and grant guidelines, visit: wgpfoundation.org or call 315-913-4060.