Metzgar, Stefano Announce Critical Funding Distributed to Uphold Pennsylvania’s History

December 9, 2021

HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) announced today that Somerset County received $9,000 to preserve and maintain Pennsylvania’s history. The money comes from the Cultural and Historical Support and Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) Grants. 

“As we continue to grow and safeguard Pennsylvania’s rich history, it is important to continue funding these wonderful historic entities,” Metzgar said. “I am pleased to see Somerset County receive the necessary help.”

“The funding will benefit so many people, from children whose families want to teach them about the area they call home to history buffs who are interested in learning more. Our history is to be celebrated, and we can learn from Pennsylvania’s robust history,” Stefano said.

The following entities were the beneficiaries:

Cultural and Historical Support Grant award:
     • Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County - $4,000
 
Historical and Archival Records Grant award:
     • Springs Historical Society of the Casselman Valley - $5,000

According to the PHMC, the Casselman Valley image preservation and accessibility project will provide access to images and archives chronicling the diverse business, natural, and cultural history of an often overlooked region. Humidity controls and shelving will be followed by inventory, documentation, and proper housing. The digitization phase guarantees our commitment to preservation and availability to the local community and academic researchers.

The goal of the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting entities that do not receive backing from other state agencies. HARC grants go towards improving protections and accessibility historic documents under possession of local governments, historical societies and academic institutions.

Award amounts are determined using an equation based on a percentage of the eligible museum’s previous year’s operating budget. HARC grants are administered by the Pennsylvania State Archives, a bureau within PHMC. Funding for the awards spans two years.



Representative Carl WalkerMetzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
hkeip@pahousegop.com
RepMetzgar.com/Facebook.com/RepMetzgar