County Seeks History Regrant Applications

CREST HAVEN — History regrant applications for fiscal year 2009 are available to non-profit Cape May County groups through the County’s Culture and Heritage Commission. Applicants must submit a “Letter of Intent to Apply” by Sept. 5. Applications are due Oct. 6, and awards will be announced in November, according to a county release.
Eligible applicants must be incorporated in New Jersey as a non-profit history organization that is at least two years old and approved by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) group. Additionally, you need to have a history project or program requiring support. Both the “Letter of Intent” and regrant application forms are available on paper, on disk in Microsoft Word, or via e-mail. Completed applications will be accepted on paper only.
The Culture and Heritage Commission receives funds for these regrants through a General Operating Support (GOS) grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a Division of the Department of State. Applicants who receive a GOS grant directly from the NJHC may not apply for a GOS regrant. They may apply for a project regrant from the County’s Commission.
Seven groups received 2008 history regrants. The Avalon Museum and Historical Society received $1,072; Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society, $2,038; Doo Wop Preservation League, $2,681; Historical Society of Upper Township, $900; Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum (NASW), $4,550; Ocean City Museum, $2,145; and the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum, $536.
Avalon Museum and the County Historical Society both used their regrant funds to present history programs for the public. Doo Wop purchased a computer and “Infinite Image” systems for their Wildwood museum where visitors will use the equipment to view thousands of “images-within-images” of the island’s Doo Wop heritage. Upper Township’s group bought a new display panel system to exhibit railroad memorabilia, pictures and postcards in the restored Tuckahoe Railroad Station.
The United States Overseas Airline, a precursor to today’s corporate airlines, was based at the County Airport in Erma from 1949 to 1964. Local resident Dr. Ralph Cox owned it.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, located in the hangar which was home to that airline, used regrant funds to create an exhibit telling the airline’s story. In connection with the exhibit, Cox spoke and showed a video history of the airline at a public meeting in the museum. Ocean City’s Historical and Lifesaving Museums both highlighted area history in a series of local newspaper ads designed to encourage the public to visit their sites.
The Culture and Heritage Commission celebrated its 40th anniversary July 22, 2008.
The members of this volunteer group appointed by the Board of Chosen Freeholders are Dr. Joseph Salvatore, chair; Mary Stewart, vice-chair; Fred Miller, secretary; Barbara Beitel; Dr. Janice Lake Betts; Dr. Warren Betty; Lorraine Hansen; David Rodriguez; and Anne Salvatore.
The mission of the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage is to: promote public interest and participation in local and county arts, history, and culture; and to support the development of the County’s arts, history and cultural organizations.
The division office is in the Beesley House, (also known as the Naylor House) at 605 Route 9 North, Court House, one tenth mile north of the County Museum, and two tenths mile south of the County Zoo entrance. The Beesley House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Call the Cape May County Division of Culture at Heritage at 463-6370 for an application or additional information.