LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New grants in Kentucky will support community preservation programs around the state, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday.

Eight Kentucky communities will receive a total of $111,960 to support several educational opportunities along with surveys and preparation for National Register nominations. The grants build on the New Kentucky Home Initiative, according to a news release from Beshear's office Tuesday. 

"Preserving our historic sites is essential to maintaining the unique character of our New Kentucky Home," Beshear said in a news release. "These investments boost economic development while helping to educate visitors about Kentucky’s rich history and encouraging communities to preserve the places that tell our stories."

One example of funding includes the Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend. It's the 14th year for the free event that's open to the public and focuses on preservation education for homeowners. 

According to a news release, grant recipients in the fiscal year 2024 cycle include:

  • Bardstown: For the second phase of survey work in Bardstown’s Historic District. The work includes updating photos, architectural styles and types and evaluating contributing and noncontributing buildings for 115 properties.
  • Covington and Boone County: For the opportunity to host onsite Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program workshops, which are offered through the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.
  • Covington: To hire instructors who will train students at the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades
  • Frankfort: To survey approximately 60 properties in the Montrose Park neighborhood. The buildings have not been previously documented, and the survey project will include the development of a summary report, which will include recommendations as to the neighborhood’s eligibility for listing on the National Register.
  • Horse Cave: To contract a consultant to prepare and present a National Register nomination for a district associated with the African American community that lies west of the current National Register district.
  • La Grange: To support a two-part "Positivity Campaign" to educate residents and business owners in the city’s two historic districts: the Central Historic District and the Russell Court Historic District.
  • Louisville Metro Government: To hire a qualified consultant to create a report and present on recommended updates to the current Landmarks ordinance and other local processes and regulations
  • Pikeville: To host a two-day cemetery workshop as part of the Pikeville 200th celebration, as well as related promotional and educational material. The proposed workshop will take place at Dils Cemetery, which is thought to be the first integrated cemetery in Eastern Kentucky and is on the National Register.

The grant funding was allocated through the Certified Local Government program, which is administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office. 

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