Governor Braun Announces $279K in Grants to Preserve Local History Across Indiana

Governor Mike Braun announced five federal Historic Preservation Fund matching grants totaling more than $279,000 for historic preservation and archaeology projects in five Indiana communities, following public comments from consulting parties.

"Protecting Indiana's history is about honoring where we came from and investing wisely in where we are going," said Governor Braun. "These grants empower local communities to preserve historic landmarks, strengthen civic pride, and ensure these important sites remain part of Indiana's story for generations to come."

These five grants, which will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and municipalities for work in Marion, Madison, Marshall, Fountain, and Delaware counties, help strengthen Indiana’s historical and cultural heritage by assisting local preservation projects. In most cases, these grants require a dollar-for-dollar match of local or private funds, for a total projected investment of $547,000 in these important cultural resource projects.

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, which distributes federal funds to the states through its Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Program. These projects are considered a federal undertaking; therefore, consulting parties have an opportunity to comment on the project under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 306108) and 36 C.F.R. Part 800.

The proposed scope of work has been reviewed by the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), and found the projects will have no adverse effect on historic properties.

To be a consulting party or provide public comments for any of the projects listed below please contact the DHPA by emailing [email protected] by Feb. 9., specify the project(s) for which you request to be a consulting party, and further information for the project(s) will be provided to you.

Rehabilitation Projects

Indianapolis (Marion County): A grant to the Athenaeum Foundation to assist with masonry and gate rehabilitation of the Biergarten perimeter wall. The non-historic sliding gate has damaged a section of the perimeter wall on the east side of the Biergarten. The project will remove the gate, deconstruct a portion of the wall and its foundation and install a deeper footer for the foundation, and rebuild the wall. The project will also fabricate a more historically appropriate gate equipped with a door to allow for easier routine access and designed with a more suitable installation system that will not compromise the building or wall masonry.

Pendleton (Madison County): A grant to the town of Pendleton working with the South Madison Community Foundation will undertake rehabilitation of the Thomas Pendleton House. The project will include structural repairs under the first floor, energy efficiency upgrades, and possibly the replacement of non-historic windows.

Plymouth (Marshall County): A grant to the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge 149 F&AM will assist with the roof rehabilitation of the former United Telephone Building in downtown Plymouth, which is now home to the fraternal organization. The scope of work includes removing the rubber membrane roofing material, inspecting the insulation board and adding to it, and installing a new rubber membrane roof.

Archaeology Projects

Fountain County: A grant to the University of Indianapolis will conduct a survey of about 270 acres to identify archaeological resources within the DNR’s Portland Arch Nature Preserve. Work includes shovel test probes covering about 15 acres at the edge of the bluffs, pedestrian survey of about 33 acres of agricultural fields, and pedestrian survey and shovel test probes covering about 222 acres of sloped terrain. The goal is to determine whether archaeological resources are present, assess whether they may be eligible for the National Register, and identify threats to these resources.

Preservation Planning Projects

Muncie (Delaware County): A grant to the Cornerstone Center for the Arts to prepare a historic structure report for the 1926 Muncie Masonic Temple. The report will include historical information about the building and significant lodge spaces, including changes over time, consideration of current program uses and possible future uses, and a condition assessment of the exterior, all mechanical systems, and all interior spaces on three floors and three mezzanine levels. The document will also provide recommendations and cost estimates for needed repairs throughout the 120,000 square foot building.