State funding now available for historic barns, cemeteries

In partnership with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) the Washington Trust has announced that funding is available for two statewide grant programs: Heritage Barn Grants and Historic Cemetery Grants. This will be the seventh round of grant funding available for owners of historic barns and the second round of grant funding for those with stewardship responsibilities over historic cemeteries.

The Heritage Barn Initiative established the Heritage Barn Register in 2007, a statewide list of historically significant barns. Owners of designated Heritage Barns are once again eligible to apply for matching grants available to assist with barn stabilization and rehabilitation projects.

The Historic Cemetery Preservation Program is intended to honor veterans and support the ongoing preservation of historic cemeteries through funding for capital projects. Approximately $900,000 is available to be granted through both programs. Both initiatives are programs of the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation.

The deadline to submit applications for both grant programs is Oct. 23, 2019. Applications and more information for each program can be accessed through the DAHP website.

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation administers both grant programs for DAHP and will be hosting free workshops for anyone wishing to learn more about both the Heritage Barn Initiative and the Historic Cemetery Preservation Program. The Washington Trust will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the process for completing application documents.

The workshop will be at Downtown Walla Walla Foundation, 109 E Main St, Suite 302T Walla Walla, Sept. 30. The Historic Cemetery Grants workshop is from 6 to 7 p.m. The Heritage Barn Grants workshop is from 7 to 8 p.m.