New grant funding now available for markers sharing underrepresented stories from Wisconsin history

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society invites communities across Wisconsin to apply for a new state historical marker as part of a project that aims to elevate underrepresented histories from communities throughout the state. The Society received a generous $75,190 grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in 2021 to support the project and has since confirmed more than a dozen new markers across Wisconsin funded by the grant. The final phase of the project calls on community groups—non-profit, educational and government organizations, including tribal governments and programs—to submit applications for future markers.

“As we work to build a historical markers program that continues to reflect the diverse stories across our state, I am pleased to announce a new community grant initiative that will fund up to 12 new historical markers across Wisconsin,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We are excited to see proposals for new historical marker projects that can further this effort to re-envision how markers can better share stories for our communities that will inspire future generations.”

Most recently, the Wisconsin Historical Society unveiled plans for a series of nine new historic markers in Milwaukee to commemorate the city’s 1967-68 Fair Housing Movement. In addition to African American history, the Society is seeking applications for new markers addressing topics including the disability rights movement, Hmong history, Latinx history, LGBTQ+ history, recent immigration or refugee history, Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples’ history, and women’s history.

“We are proud to support the Wisconsin Historical Society’s collaborative work to illuminate underrepresented histories with fully-funded historical markers,” said Bill Pomeroy, founder and trustee of the Pomeroy Foundation. “Markers help communities tell their stories. They play an important role by preserving history, educating the public, encouraging pride of place, and promoting historic and cultural tourism.”

The Society’s state historical markers program was first authorized by a state statute in 1943 and the first marker was erected in 1951. Today more than 600 historical markers are located throughout Wisconsin, but input from the community is needed to help expand the stories shared through this popular program. While the cost of creating new signage has historically represented an economic obstacle to participation in the markers program, the William G. Pomeroy grant administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society seeks to reduce this financial hurdle and welcome wider participation. The grant will fund up to 12 new historical markers and applications are due by April 19, 2024. Click here for more information and full eligibility requirements.  

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

About the Pomeroy Foundation

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and working to improve the probability of finding appropriate donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients. Established by Trustee Bill Pomeroy in 2005 to bring together his two greatest passions, the Pomeroy Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization located in Syracuse, N.Y. As the nation’s leading funder of historical roadside markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,300 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 48 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Pomeroy Foundation, visit wgpfoundation.org.