October 29, 2020 - New Jersey Historic Trust Announces Preserve New Jersey Preservation Grant Award Recommendations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 29, 2020

More Than $10.7 Million Awarded for Preservation Planning, Heritage Tourism and Capital Projects and Special Initiatives 

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), today approved $10,227,499 in grant recommendations from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund for 50 preservation planning, heritage tourism and capital projects to save and promote historic sites throughout the state. In addition to the Preserve New Jersey grant applications, two special initiatives have also been included for funding, the Passaic County Regrant Program and an allocation of funds to the Discover New Jersey License Plate Fund. Together, these special initiatives total $550,000, which brings the total amount of funds recommended for the 2020 round to $10,777,499. 

“Investing in historic properties is key to preserving our past, present and future,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner.  “Each project represents a piece of New Jersey’s rich history. Restoring and preserving these properties will allow for the continued use of these structures and ensure that they continue to enrich and benefit the communities in which they are located.” 

Twenty-three of the grants will help fund preservation planning projects such as condition assessments, historic structure reports, archaeological investigations, and construction documents. Four grants will help fund heritage tourism initiatives to improve the visitor experience at historic sites. Twenty-three grants will fund capital preservation projects on sites listed in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. All grants awarded to nonprofit organizations or entities of municipal, county and state governments require a match from the recipient. 

“We’re happy to recommend this year’s grants, which will help to provide the financial and technical support needed to stabilize and revitalize historic properties throughout the state,” said New Jersey Historic Trust Executive Director Dorothy Guzzo. “We will continue to advance historic preservation and ensure that our historic treasures are available for future generations.” 

The grant recommendations, which have been approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust Board, will be presented to the Garden State Preservation Trust at its next meeting and require a legislative appropriations bill and the Governor’s approval before funds are made available. Funding for the current grant round is dedicated from a voter-approved constitutional amendment that created the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund. The Preserve New Jersey Fund continues the work of the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund and voter-supported referendums that have committed over $166 million to more than 950 historic preservation projects since 1990. All funded resources are listed in the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, either individually or within designated historic districts. 

Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund Grant Recommendations  

Note: the project names are as listed on the National Register of Historic Places and may not reflect the current or common name of the property. Projects are listed in each category alphabetically by county. 

Historic Site Management Grants (up to $50,000)  

 Historic Site Management Grants for Heritage Tourism (up to $50,000)  

 Level I Capital Preservation Grants ($50,000 – $150,000)  

Level II Capital Preservation Grants ($150,001 - $750,000)   

 Multi-Phase Capital Level II Preservation Grants ($500,000 - $750,000)   

 Special Initiatives  

A full list of project descriptions can be found here. 

Established in 1967, the New Jersey Historic Trust is the only nonprofit historic preservation organization in New Jersey created by state law. The Trust became a DCA affiliate in 2002 in an effort to better realign the state’s smart growth initiatives with historic revitalization. Its mission is to advance historic preservation in New Jersey for the benefit of future generations through education, stewardship and financial investment programs that save our heritage and strengthen our communities. 

The Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund was established by legislation in 2016 after New Jersey voters approved a change to the state constitution to provide a stable source of funding for open space, farmland and historic preservation by dedicating funds from the corporate business tax. The Preserve New Jersey Fund continues the work of the Garden State  Historic Preservation Trust Fund (2000-2012) and the Historic Preservation Bond Program (1990-1997). Since 1990, more than $166 million in matching grants has been awarded to worthy historic preservation construction and planning projects throughout the state. 

 For more information on the New Jersey Historic Trust and its funding programs, visit www.njht.org.