New Partnership to Commemorate History Along 42,000 Miles of Multiuse Trails Nationwide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2025
CONTACT:
Brandi Horton for Rails to Trails Conservancy: brandi@railstotrails.org, 202.351.1757
Steve Bodnar for the William G. Pomeroy Foundation: steve@wgpfoundation.org, 315.913.4068
New Partnership to Commemorate History Along 42,000 Miles of Multiuse Trails Nationwide
Rails to Trails Conservancy and William G. Pomeroy Foundation® launch Trails Across America Historical Marker Grant Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation are proud to announce a new national partnership to celebrate and preserve history along America’s multiuse trails. The “Trails Across America” national grant program will fund and install premium cast aluminum historical markers along greenways, canal paths and former rail lines that have been converted into recreational trails, linking communities and honoring their pasts.
This new program builds on the success of a previous historical marker collaboration for the Great American Rail-Trail, RTC’s signature project to build the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail that will stretch 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. The new program expands the initiative to highlight stories of local and national significance along the nation’s 42,000 miles of trail corridors. The Pomeroy Foundation will serve as the program’s funding sponsor, with a goal to install up to 20 new markers each year.
“Historical markers and trails complement each other by connecting people to places and the powerful stories that define them,” said Pomeroy Foundation Executive Director Bill Brower. “Through our partnership with Rails to Trails Conservancy, we are proud to help communities across the country uncover and celebrate their histories—one marker and one trail at a time.”
“The nation’s trails are where community comes together in spaces that connect the past, present and future,” said Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications. “This marker program provides an invaluable opportunity to elevate the history that took place along America’s railroads and the future we can build together, when we understand all that has come before us.”
The launch of the Trails Across America marker program coincides with two national observances: the Pomeroy Foundation’s National Historic Marker Weekend taking place April 25 through April 27 and RTC’s Celebrate Trails Day on April 26. These events provide meaningful opportunities for the public to enjoy trails and learn about local history.
RTC will manage applications and help communities identify eligible sites, focusing on events up to 1956—a pivotal year in the evolution of U.S. transportation. Trail organizations and history advocates are encouraged to learn more and apply for markers through the RTC website: railstotrails.org.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation® is a private grant-making organization based in Syracuse, N.Y. We are dedicated to improving outcomes for blood cancer patients through donor matches and other life-saving treatments and work to celebrate and preserve community history with premium, cast aluminum historical markers. Starting with just 32 markers in Onondaga County, NY, we have now funded over 2,600 markers across 49 states since 2006. Our programs span diverse themes, from food history to folklore and transportation, with new initiatives in development. To learn more about our work and mission, visit wgpfoundation.org or connect @wgpfoundation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on social media.
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