LINCOLN- On Wednesday, History Nebraska announced the recipients of the Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation Grant, which assists owners of National Register of Historic Places properties in communities with populations under 30,000. A total of $328,000 was awarded to six communities, including Niobrara, Fort Calhoun, Mason City, Red Cloud, Schuyler, and Wauneta, with six projects chosen from 51 qualifying applications.

"Selecting our recipients was an extremely challenging process," said Betty Gillespie, the program coordinator, "This program has shown that historic preservation is a valued endeavor and opportunities for it are needed in both large and small communities across Nebraska." In Niobrara, the funding will be utilized to support the enhancement and replacement of degrading windows of the Ponca Tribe Self-Help Community Building and Caretaker's Cottage.

In Schuyler, the grant will be used to bolster several restoration projects at the Oak Ballroom, including roof restoration and interior repairs. With the application process complete, grant agreements are set to be drafted. Once completed, projects may begin seeking bids and start their projects. "We are excited to work with the selected applicants," finished Gillespie, "and bring needed historic preservation support to their communities."

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