Parks + Rec Historic Sites receive grants

Published on June 03, 2025

Jackson County Parks + Rec has received more than $525,000 in grants to help improve and maintain the department’s historic sites.

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town Living History Museum are each receiving $200,000 grants as part of the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project and UMKC’s Kansas City Monuments coalition.

The Mellon Foundation awarded the University of Missouri-Kansas City $4 million to create the Kansas City Monuments Coalition to help fund 16 preservation and commemorative organizations across Kansas City so visitors can enjoy historic sites for years to come.

Parks + Rec has partnered with Tom Hand, author and creator of Americana Corner, to receive the Americana Corner Grant. The grant will provide $25,000 a year for five years to benefit the sites.

According to their website, “Americana Corner is dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of America’s founding and the principles that shaped our nation. By exploring the struggles, triumphs, and the legacy of our founding era, we foster a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and its lasting impact on the world.”

A $3,000 educational grant was also received from Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance to create traveling exhibits.

The Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance provides grants for projects that will have a demonstrable, positive impact along the pathways followed by the expedition.