Michigan Secures $750,000 Grant for Historic Preservation in Rural Areas
LANSING, Mich. – In a significant move to bolster historic preservation efforts, the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) under the Michigan Strategic Fund has been granted $750,000 from the Historic Preservation Fund’s FY2024 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program, as announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
This grant will fuel the Rural Heritage Partnership Program, which aims to finance repairs and enhancements to historic structures in Michigan’s small rural communities. The initiative intends to not only fix immediate issues but also to advocate for the preservation of heritage assets as a vital part of economic and community development. By doing so, SHPO looks to broaden its support and aid to these rural regions, which remains a constant objective.
The Rogers Theater in Rogers City, a past recipient of the SHPO’s Paul Bruhn Grant, had its marquee restored in 2021.
Governor Whitmer expressed, “Historic preservation helps us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define who we are. This National Park Service Grant Funding will help preserve and repair historic buildings in rural communities statewide, ensuring we honor our past while creating vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep working together to support good-paying jobs, grow local economies, foster pride in our communities, and invest in people, places, and projects so that everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
Ryan M. Schumaker, Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer, emphasized the significance of historic downtowns and commercial corridors, stating, “The heart of rural communities across Michigan can be found in their historic downtowns and established commercial corridors. These areas not only provide residents and visitors with a tangible link to the history of these places, but they also serve as the life blood of the local economy.” The program is designed to support these local efforts and use them as a catalyst for economic growth.
Applications for the Rural Heritage Partnership Program are expected to open in spring 2026, with comprehensive guidelines available this winter. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and public entities, which can also partner with private property owners. Properties must be located in small, rural communities with a population of 25,000 or fewer, and must be on the National Register of Historic Places. For updates, interested parties can subscribe to SHPO’s email list here.
This grant is one of 10 awarded nationwide this year under the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, which was established in 2018 in memory of Paul Bruhn, the former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont. The program supports historic preservation projects in rural communities by providing financial assistance to various governmental and non-profit entities.
About the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
The primary mission of the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office is to assist communities and property owners in recognizing and celebrating the state’s historic resources. SHPO offers technical assistance and manages an incentives program that includes tax credits and grants for certified local governments.
For more detailed information about the State Historic Preservation Office, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.
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