WAPC Museum in the Streets funding update

Published by admin on Tue, 04/22/2025 - 12:10pm

Guest editorial by Tony Edmondson, WAPC Intermediate Past President

Five years ago, Congress authorized an official celebration of America’s susquencentennial called “America250.” Last year, Idaho’s Legislature got on board by establishing “an oversight” committee for the $1.6M they allocated to fund the celebration. Governor Little soon followed with a proclamation directing the Idaho State Historical Society to lead other state agencies in developing programs for this funding. 

 They quickly established a plan which included a matching legacy grant program for Idaho community projects which would long outlive a fireworks display. For more than a year, the Weiser Architectural Preservation Committee had been researching a “Museum in the Streets” signage program implemented in several New England towns we felt was perfect for Weiser’s historic properties. 
 We applied to be the first such installation in the west and in December were one of 25 communities approved with initial funding to be distributed in January.
 Volunteers from the Snake River Heritage Center, interested citizens, and WAPC board members have met regularly since January, pulling together stories, photos, and establishing an implementation plan. 
 In early February, we received an email from the ISHS indicating grant funding had been delayed pending clarification of “Legislative Intent.” Our committee’s research work continued. 
 On Friday, March 28, 2025, we along with the other 24 grantees received a letter from the Idaho Legislature stating, “after careful consideration of legislative intent, the America250 in Idaho grant program is cancelled.” The following Monday we received a follow-up email from ISHS offering a few additional details. We’ve never experienced anything like this in our 35+ grant experience with ISHS.
 Other Idaho news outlets have published stories on how this has negatively impacted their communities, with insightful details which can be Googled. One of the last actions of this Legislative session was to reallocate the America250 in Idaho funding while their “legislative intent” for it remains a mystery. 
 Like many of the grantees across Idaho, we’ve already invested countless volunteer hours in our sign project. We’d like to continue this worthy endeavor if alternate funding sources can be developed. More than just a celebration of our history and culture, a signage program such as this has a proven record of community and economic development in numerous New England towns and even regions in France! Ours would be the first installation in the west. 
 As our Mainstreet America committee moves forward with its downtown planter pots and revitalization efforts, and the city continues providing amenities to our parks and public spaces, these combined efforts create a synergy that contributes to our community’s overall vitality and livability.
 As we explore alternative grant opportunities, this setback creates new opportunities for private citizens and businesses to partner with us in this process. Sponsorships for our signs would be a visible legacy for those who would like to reinvest in our community. 
 As a 501c3, the Weiser Architectural Preservation Committee is a tax deductible, charitable organization. Whether through Idaho Gives or direct donation, we can find ways to make this project a reality. We welcome your support with this or any of the other projects we undertake in Weiser. We’re currently updating our webpage www.weiserhistory.org where you’ll be able to learn more about our community mission. 
 

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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