For immediate release
Contact: Wendy Poischbeg
Economic and Cultural Development Manager
Wendy.Poischbeg@snoco.org
(425) 388-3186
Snohomish County Awards Funding to Heritage Projects
EVERETT, WA. May 3, 2016 – A historic mural damaged by storm water, fragile newspapers brittle and vulnerable to exposure, and interpretive signs aged by the elements are all items of local history that will receive professional repair and restoration thanks to funds provided by the 2016 Community Heritage Grant Program sponsored by the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission. Seven projects in all will receive matching funds.
“Receiving funds from the Historic Preservation Commission’s Community Heritage program has been such a boost for our project,” said Eileen Simmons, Director of the Everett Public Library. “Not only does it provide a much-needed infusion of money, but it also puts a “seal of approval” from the heritage community on our project.”
25 years after it suffered major water damage, restoration work has begun on the last of three murals painted by John Theodore “Ted” Jacobsen in the historic 1934 lobby of the Everett Public Library. The 29” x 8’ mural requires extensive cleaning, retouching, and a final protective coat to save the plaster mural, original to the building.
“Money is awarded from recording fees collected by the Snohomish County Auditor,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “The allocation of these fees are for projects that promote historic preservation or historical programs. The diversity and breadth of the projects awarded are a testament to the value Snohomish County places on local history and our shared heritage.”
Other grant recipients will use the money to repair, restore, and paint the siding of the historic Startup Gym in Sultan, purchase archival storage supplies to protect artifacts at the Edmonds Museum, and print the first edition of a book detailing the original pioneer properties and historic buildings in the Arlington area.
In total, $32,927 was awarded. Projects must be complete by December 31st, 2016 and are reimbursed after the projects’ completion. Grant funding is available on an annual basis and typically becomes available in the first quarter of the calendar year.
For more information on the program, contact Wendy Poischbeg at (425) 388-3186 or Wendy.Poischbeg@snoco.org.
2016 Community Heritage Grant Recipients:
1. Alderwood Manor Heritage Association
Project: Historic Interpretive Project Now and Then: Lynnwood – Alderwood Manor
Grant Award: $1,716
2. City of Arlington
Project: Historic Interpretive Project
Grant Award: $5,333
3. Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Project: Collections Stewardship Project
Grant Award: $4,507
4. Friends of the Everett Public Library
Project: Restoration of Historic Ted Jacobsen Mural
Grant Award: $5,500
5. Monroe Historical Society
Project: Historic Newspaper Digitization
Grant Award: $4,220
6. Sky Valley Arts Council
Project: Restoration of the Startup Gym
Grant Award: $10,000
7. Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association
Project: Red Work Historical Quilt
Grant Award: $1,651