Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded the Pioneer Florida Museum a $15,000 for general operating costs to help recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The American Rescue Plan funding will help us keep the current staff we have and pay our bills at the Pioneer Florida Museum. It will allow us to continue to serve our community. We are so very grateful for the American Rescue Plan grant and for Florida Humanities being able to get these funds to organizations like ours that continue to feel the hardships and work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stephanie Bracknell Black, Executive Director.

The NEH received $135 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, which was approved by Congress this past spring. The state humanities councils, including Florida Humanities, each received a portion of the NEH award to support museums, archives, historic sites and other humanities focused nonprofits. The Pioneer Florida Museum was one of 129 organizations in Florida that was awarded ARP funding totaling $1.88 million from Florida Humanities. The grants are intended to meet immediate operational needs in order for organizations to remain viable and maintain delivery of public humanities programming and resources in their communities. Florida Humanities received 188 applications for ARP funding, with nonprofits requesting the most funds for staffing and utilities.

These funds, said Florida Humanities Executive Director Dr. Nashid Madyun, provide a safety net for the organizations so they can focus on other priorities, such as fundraising and creating programming. “For smaller nonprofits, when bills are paid and staff are safe and intact, that type of alleviation is immeasurable,” he said. “Florida Humanities is honored to provide a lifeline to our state’s cultural and historic organizations, ensuring they continue to enrich their local communities, and the Sunshine State at large, for years to come.”

Funding for this grant was provided by Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and NEH’s Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) initiative. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this announcement do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About Pioneer Florida Museum and Village

Pioneer Florida Museum and Village is a non-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation and education of Florida’s pioneer heritage. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Daily general admission is $10 for adults, $8 seniors, $5 for students, and children under 5 free. The museum is located one-mile north of downtown Dade City, just off of US 301 at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City, FL 33523. Group rates and building rental available. For more information, call the Museum at (352) 567-0262, visit the museum’s website: pioneerfloridamuseum.org or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pioneerfloridamuseum.

About Florida Humanities

Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the history, literature, culture, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. Since 1973, Florida Humanities has awarded more than $16 million in support of statewide cultural resources and public programs strongly rooted in the humanities. These programs preserve Florida’s diverse history and heritage, promote civic engagement and community dialogue, and provide opportunities to reflect on the future of Florida. Learn more at www.FloridaHumanities.org.

Photo Credit: RK Riley

Date Posted: November 11, 2021