MIDDLEBURY — Intriguing pieces of Vermont’s rich cultural heritage will be featured on roadside markers at sites across the state thanks to a partnership between the Vermont Folklife Center and The William G. Pomeroy Foundation.
Established by the Pomeroy Foundation in 2015, Legends & Lore promotes cultural heritage by placing markers at sites associated with local traditional culture (for example: folklore, customs, legends, beliefs, traditional art, music and dance) in communities across the United States. VFC will serve as a grant evaluator for the Pomeroy Foundation’s national Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program, helping to highlight the cultural heritage of Vermont.
“We are delighted to be part of bringing the Legends & Lore program to Vermont,” said Vermont Folklife Center Associate Director, Andy Kolovos. “And we are also excited to partner with legendary Vermont author and folklorist, Joe Citro in the effort — Joe will be working with VFC to evaluate all proposals for Legends & Lore markers in the state.”
As a Legends & Lore grant evaluator, the Center — along with Citro — will be responsible for reviewing applications and assessing the appropriateness to the Program of the sites and legends proposed. Legends & Lore marker grants are available to 501C(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions and municipalities in Vermont.
“The Pomeroy Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Vermont Folklife Center on our expanding Legends & Lore program,” said Bill Pomeroy, founder and trustee. “We feel this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the folklore near and dear to Vermont. We’re proud to work with your communities in celebrating and preserving your folklore and legends.”
The Pomeroy Foundation is a private, grant-making foundation based in Syracuse, N.Y., that helps people celebrate their community’s history through a variety of historic sign grant programs, including Legends & Lore. The Foundation’s grants cover the entire cost of a marker, pole and shipping.
To learn more about the Vermont Legends & Lore Marker program, including information about how to apply for a Legends & Lore grant from the Pomeroy Foundation, visit vtfolklife.org/legends-and-lore.