Money available for local history-related projects

Funding is available for local history-related projects, and the deadline to submit a request is next month.

The W. E. Smith Family Charitable Trust Fund awards money to projects that promote and encourage interest in regional history and support historical research and publication.

Applications for this year’s grant proposals are due April 15.

Here’s where to pick up a grant application:

  • The reference desks of the Lane Public Libraries in Hamilton, Fairfield and Oxford
  • The Smith Library of Regional History in Oxford
  • The Smith Family Charitable Trust, Wealth Management, First Financial Center, 255 E. 5th St., Suite 800, Cincinnati

Previous projects funded by the Trust have included:

  • Atrium Medical Center Foundation for "Legends," a publication of the history of Middletown Hospital
  • Fairfield Historical Society for exhibits at Sunbonnet Days
  • Heritage Hall in Hamilton for its "Century of Champions" exhibit, which features Butler County sports teams and individuals
  • Lane Public Libraries for its 150th anniversary history booklet and a historical marker commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lane Libraries
  • Middletown Cemetery Board for restoration work to its historic vault
  • Oxford Museum Association for restoration and repair of Pioneer Farm house
  • Smith Library of Regional History to purchase a photo scanner for oversize documents

Longtime Oxford resident Dr. W. E. Smith, who chaired the Miami University Department of History for many years, and his wife Ophia, collaborated on research and writing of a three-volume “History of Southwestern Ohio: The Miami Valley,” and wrote books on Oxford history.

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