Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) awarded nearly $20,000 in project grant funding to seven of its partner organizations last week, closing out its summer 2023 grant cycle.

Kansas grant recipients were the Black American Blueprint Collective, the Monticello Community Historical Society, the Tonganoxie Community Museum, and the Wilson County Historical Society & Museum. Missouri’s recipients were the Cass County Historical Society and the Lee’s Summit Historical Society.

While FFNHA has been awarding interpretive grants annually since 2012, the slate marks the culmination of the first cycle under the program’s new banner and guidelines. “Project grants are our primary means of fulfilling our mission and an invaluable resource for each of the 41 counties within the heritage area,” said FFNHA Executive Director Lucinda Adams. “But so much has changed over the last few years, including our partners’ needs. Everyone is adapting. We’re thrilled to be a part of that process.”

Kate Sutter, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, described the program’s expansion as part of the organization’s effort to help small museums and historical societies adapt. “The wide variety of our partners’ needs and ideas reflect just how large and varied the heritage area is—from urban to rural and small to large. It’s exciting to see so many different things in the works, and I hope we can continue to assist them as they grow their exhibits and audiences.”

FFNHA is currently accepting applications for its fall grant cycle, open through October 18, 2023. Over the past 11 years, Freedom’s Frontier grant programs have funded over 100 projects across its 41 counties.