I hope that you and your chapter will read the message below from TSDAR Historic Preservation Chair Jill Jones-Lazuka and identify a local museum which would qualify for one of the new TSDAR Museum Grants. These are made available because of your financial support through State Regent Project Sales of jewelry, scarves, giclees and more. Great job members and thank you! With Love, Emily
What an amazing State Conference we had this year! If you were unable to attend, the Historic Preservation Committee shared details about one of State Regent Robinson’s projects – the TSDAR Museum Grants.
As members of a lineage society, we understand that the stories of our ancestors inspire feelings of belonging in both our local and international communities, and that the preservation of our history is vital to the well-being of our nation. Many museums in Tennessee are operated on small budgets with a mostly volunteer staff. During the current Tennessee Society DAR administration, with the theme of Volunteer Hearts in Action!, we would like to recognize and award financial grants to museums which preserve Tennessee history through the power of volunteers.
Be sure to visit the TSDAR Members Website where you will find a link to the application. We encourage our Chapters to search out those museums in your area that operate as an all-volunteer, not for profit organization. When you identify one, please share the application with the person who has oversight of the museum and encourage them to apply.
Museums interested in submitting an application must meet the following criteria:
1. Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government.
2. Have an accounting system.
3. Demonstrate the capability to build a connection between the focus area(s) of the museum and the community it serves.
4. All staff are volunteers, including the board of directors.
5. Have a planned use of funds toward a specific project. Operating costs are not a qualifying criterion.
6. Complete a Final Report when the project is completed.
The award amount is $1,000.00. The grants will be awarded upon approval from now until the deadline date of March 31, 2025. So, don’t delay in searching out these institutions that collect and share the history and heritage of our great state of Tennessee.
Jill Jones-Lazuka
TSDAR Historic Preservation Chair
