State Historical Society of Missouri seeks proposals for local history preservation grants

Published 1:19 pm Friday, July 31, 2026

COLUMBIA — The State Historical Society of Missouri is accepting applications for grants of up to $1,000 each to help local cultural heritage institutions preserve historical records and expand public access to local history.

The grants, known as the Richard S. Brownlee Missouri Local History Grants, are named for a former longtime executive director of the State Historical Society credited with expanding the organization’s collection of newspapers, reference materials, manuscripts, and artworks. A total of $15,000 will be awarded this year.

Applications are due by Sept. 15, and the resulting one-year grant period will begin in October.

“Brownlee Local History Grants are an opportunity for local historical societies and cultural heritage institutions to preserve and provide access to their valuable collection,” said Gerald Hirsch, associate director of the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Eligible projects include the preservation of historical local records, such as the purchase of archival supplies used to store or display personal papers, photographs, maps, or other materials, though the funds cannot be used to preserve federal, state, or local government documents. Grants can also support educational or programming efforts aimed at promoting local history or training people in historical preservation methods.

The grants are open to Missouri cultural heritage institutions that hold membership in the State Historical Society at the silver level or higher, with preference given to local historical societies.

Applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle can be submitted online through the State Historical Society’s website.