We are pleased to announce the recipients of a small grant round for projects that will interpret, promote, or market historic and cultural resources. Applicants were encouraged to use digital technology, social media, or creative and innovative approaches to bring stories from The Last Green Valley to life. A total of fifteen completed applications were received and four were funded.

The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret was awarded a $2,500 grant for “Edwin Way Teale, A Naturalist Writer’s Interpretive Trail” at the Trail Wood Sanctuary in Hampton. CT. The grant will allow the research, design and installation of ten high quality trail kiosk signs plus a virtual trail walk on the Connecticut Audubon website.

The Dr. Ashbel Woodward House Museum/Town of Franklin, CT, will receive $2,500 to purchase a computer and collections software that will be used to digitize and catalog the museum’s entire collection. The grant will also be used to fund an interactive touch-screen kiosk that will enable visitors to virtually “Explore the Surgeon’s Room,” a portion of the museum that is inaccessible to the public.

Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA, was awarded $2,500 to develop a promotional video series to celebrate 1830s lessons and values that are relevant and necessary today, such as being a good neighbor and sharing an appreciation of the land. The videos will highlight small house living, field-to-table food, agriculture and horticulture, and mastering a skill, craft or trade, and will be used as a means of drawing visitors to OSV and the region.

The Lebanon Historical Society in Lebanon, CT, was awarded $2,500 to create mini-documentaries that will fully illustrate the interiors of its historic buildings and provide a narrative interpretation of the history and significance of the buildings. This will make the buildings accessible for people with mobility issues and for those who wish to “visit” when the museums are closed.

All of the recipients are required to provide at least 1 to 1 in matching contributions, and many of the awardees have formed innovative partnerships to complete their projects. The Last Green Valley plans to offer another round of grant funding in the spring to bring more stories from The Last Green Valley to life.