WEBINAR – Trails Across America: Grant Funding for Historical Markers That Elevate Trailside History
Discover how your trail can become a platform for preserving and promoting the unique history of your community. In this one-hour webinar, hosted by Rails to Trails Conservancy and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, we learn about the Trails Across America marker grant program, which provides fully funded cast-aluminum roadside markers to commemorate historically significant people, places and events along more than 42,000 miles of multiuse trails nationwide.
Susan Hughes introduces the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and its mission to help communities celebrate their local history through markers grounded in thoroughly vetted, primary source-based research. Amy Kapp highlights the power of storytelling on trails and how markers can amplify the meaning of place. Together, they outline the marker grant application process, offer tips for selecting compelling historical subjects and share inspiring examples of recent markers. The workshop also explores how trailside historical markers foster pride of place, support tourism and preserve local history for future generations. Whether you manage a trail, represent a nonprofit or are passionate about public history, this session will equip you with the guidance and tools to bring your community’s stories to life.
Related Links
- Learn more about Circus City, here: rtc.li/circus-cityÂ
- Read more about the Geological Unconformity along the Heartland Trail in Ohio: rtc.li/geological-unconformityÂ
- More information about the Trails Across America Marker Program: https://www.railstotrails.org/grants/#markerÂ
- Check out some helpful hints: rtc.li/trails-across-america-helpful-hints Â
- Find the online application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLu7R-c4jqGerVeJPB8ei11EdaZ9hU8uBV2-ATq1UvI80AaQ/viewformÂ
- Read more about Edward Day Cohota, here: rtc.li/traillink-edward-day-cohota Â
- Read more about the Feed & Grain Mill, here: rtc.li/feed-grain-millÂ
- Check out the markers along the Great American Rail-Trail: https://rtc.li/pomeroy-marker-storiesÂ
- You can find recommended sources, here: https://www.wgpfoundation.org/history/nys-historic-markers/primary-sources-2/ Â
- Find additional inspiration here: https://www.traillink.com/historic-places/Â
- Find the Pomeroy Foundation’s Marker Map here: https://www.wgpfoundation.org/history/map/ Â
RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative, Trail Development and Policy teams produce a free webinar series designed to help trail professionals build, grow, manage, maintain, promote or otherwise support trails and trail networks. Sign up here to get webinar alerts.
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