The New Jersey Historical Commission approved $2.4 million in grants aimed at bolstering 72 historical preservation organizations such as museums, archives, libraries and historical sites.

“This funding strengthens that commitment by providing critical educational and organizational support to advance awareness of New Jersey’s past, showcase the state’s unique role in shaping American history, and guide the future by understanding the past,” New Jersey Secretary of State Taesha Way said in a written statement.

The largest grant was $225,000 for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities in Cape May to cover overhead costs.

[The grants] not only offer crucial organizational and programmatic support, but will encourage grantees to continually attract new and diverse audiences, connect history to contemporary issues, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability.
– Sara Cureton, New Jersey Historical Commission, executive director

The Rutgers University Libraries received $89,992 for overhead costs and $11,455 for specific projects. In addition, the commission awarded a $63,660 grant to the Rutgers University T. Edison Papers and $6,750 to Rutgers University Press both for project costs, and $13,632 to Rutgers University for overhead.

To cover general operating costs, the Historical Society of Princeton received a $73,796 grant and another $4,200 for specific projects.

The state commission awarded $74,830 to the Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May to cover overhead and another $4,976 for specific projects.

The Save Lucy Committee – aimed at preserving the renowned Lucy the Elephant situated in Margate City – received a $21,593 grant for overhead costs. A $75,917 grant was awarded to the Morris County Historical Commission.

Like the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the historical commission is financed by the hotel and motel occupancy tax, which recently saw an increase in its revenue base following the enactment of the AirBnB tax last year.

“[The grants] not only offer crucial organizational and programmatic support, but will encourage grantees to continually attract new and diverse audiences, connect history to contemporary issues, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability,” Sara Cureton, the commission’s executive director, said in a statement.