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SACRAMENTO — The California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is excited to announce nearly $330,000 is available through a new grant program for the preservation and interpretation of California’s irreplaceable maritime heritage. OHP is now accepting applications for the grants, which are funded by the National Park Service (NPS) through the National Maritime Heritage Grants Program for the stewardship and preservation of historical and archaeological resources associated with the maritime history of California.
“With the rich and vast maritime history in California, it is especially fortunate to offer this new grant opportunity to our partners as they work tirelessly to celebrate and commemorate our shared past,” said Julianne Polanco, California’s state historic preservation officer.
The primary goal of this grant program is to assist with and promote the active preservation and use of California’s maritime heritage properties. The program will achieve this by supporting the preservation of resources related to California’s maritime heritage that are historically under-represented and/or are of statewide or national importance, and by providing increased opportunities for the public to visit and learn about historic properties related to maritime history. The maritime heritage grants program is designed to support various maritime heritage education projects and preservation projects that focus on three broad categories of historic maritime resources: historic maritime properties, maritime heritage collections and traditional maritime skills.
Grants are available to public agencies, nonprofit organizations and California Native American tribes for preservation or education/interpretation projects throughout the state and will be required to be matched on a 1-to-1 basis.
Currently, there is funding for one round of grants, with applications due by Wednesday, Nov. 12. Grants are available in two categories:
- Preservation Projects: $98,500 available, and subgrant award amounts may range from $10,000 to $50,000 (for total project costs of $20,000 to $100,000). An example of a previous NPS grant awardee under this category is Central Coast Lightkeepers Association, which received a $25,000 grant in 1998 to assist in the preservation of the Point Sur Lighthouse’s Lantern Room and Upper Galley.
- Education Projects: $224,415 available, with subgrant award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 (for total project costs of $10,000 to $80,000). Under this category, as an example, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum received $35,000 in 2015 to fund the development of the Spirit Dana Point Tall Ship Overnight Education Program.
A list of previously funded projects can be found on NPS’ National Maritime Heritage Grants Program History website. OHP expects to award grants by March 1, 2025, with projects needing to be completed within two years.
To learn more about the California Maritime Heritage Grants Program and to download forms and guidelines to apply, please visit the OHP website at ohp.parks.ca.gov/maritimegrants.
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
California Office of Historic Preservation administers federally and state mandated historic preservation programs to further the identification, evaluation, registration, and protection of California’s irreplaceable resources. Explore our webpages, learn more about the OHP, and join us in preserving and celebrating California’s heritage!