Grant Funds Available to Restore Historic Barns, Cemeteries, and Theaters

SEATTLE - Historic preservation enthusiasts and caretakers of Washington's cultural heritage have reason to celebrate as grant funds become available to support the rehabilitation and restoration of historic barns, cemeteries, and theaters across the state. The grants are made possible through funding approved by the Washington State Legislature earlier this year.

The legislature's endorsement of the 2023-2025 state budget included the reauthorization of four state capital grant programs overseen by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). These vital programs include the Heritage Barn Grant Program, Historic County Courthouse Grant Program, Historic Cemetery Grant Program, and Historic Theater Grant Program. Their primary objective is to safeguard and restore the state's most historically and culturally significant resources.

Administered by the nonprofit Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, under contract to DAHP, these grant programs play a pivotal role in preserving Washington's rich heritage. While the grant recipients for the Historic County Courthouse Grant Program are predetermined as part of the legislative request, the remaining three programs are accepting grant applications until October 31.

Heritage Barn Grant Program

Launched in 2007 and now in its ninth round, the Heritage Barn Grant Program is tailor-made to assist in preserving Washington's iconic historic barns, symbolizing the state's agricultural heritage. To be eligible for funding through this program, barns must be listed on the Heritage Barn Register, a statewide catalog maintained by DAHP. Nearly $1,000,000 in grant funds will be allocated among successful applicants to facilitate the rehabilitation and preservation of these unique structures, ensuring their continued cultural significance for future generations.

Historic Cemetery Grant Program

Established in 2016 and currently in its fourth round of funding, the Historic Cemetery Grant Program offers financial assistance to preserve and restore significant burial grounds throughout Washington. These cemeteries often contain valuable historical information and serve as the final resting places of pioneers, veterans, and community leaders, making their conservation crucial to the state's historical narrative. An official historical designation is not required to apply. Any cemetery in Washington with five or more burials, including at least one burial over 50 years old, is eligible for this grant program. Nearly $500,000 in funding is available for distribution as grants.

Historic Theater Grant Program

The Historic Theater Grant Program, established in 2021, seeks to support the conservation of historic theaters that have played a pivotal role in shaping the arts and cultural landscape of Washington. This initiative is particularly significant given the financial challenges and deferred maintenance faced by theaters during the pandemic. Grants will be awarded to successful applicants to aid in the maintenance, repair, and revitalization of these cherished community gathering spaces, with a substantial $500,000 allocation.

Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and application workshop recordings available on the Washington Trust's website at www.preservewa.org/grants. All applications must be submitted through the online portal before the deadline of October 31, 2023.