NEH Division of Public Programs: Implementation Grant for Interpreting America’s Historic Places

Implementation grants support the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public. Applicants must submit a full walkthrough for an exhibition, or a prototype or storyboard for a digital project, that demonstrates a solid command of the humanities ideas and scholarship that relate to the subject. Applicants
for implementation grants should have already done most of the planning for their projects, including the identification of the key humanities themes, relevant scholarship, and program formats. For exhibitions, implementation grants can support the final stages of design development, but these grants are primarily intended for installation. Applicants are not required to obtain a planning grant before applying for an implementation grant. Applicants may not, however, submit multiple applications for the same project at the same deadline. If an application for a project is already under review, another application for the same project cannot be accepted.
The goals of Interpreting America’s Historic Places are to
enhance lifelong learning in American history by connecting significant events, people, ideas, stories, and traditions with specific places;
foster the development of interpretive programs for the public that address central events, themes, and issues in American history; and
encourage consultation with humanities scholars and history organizations in the development of heritage tourism destinations.
Interpreting America’s Historic Places projects should
interpret a place that played a significant role in American history;
enrich the visitor experience at one or more historic places by interpreting these places in light of broader themes in American history;
make use of the specific features of one or more historic places—the site, its location, buildings, or other natural or built features—as integral parts of the proposed interpretation;
build on sound humanities scholarship;
involve humanities scholars in all phases of development and implementation;
approach the subject thematically, analytically, and interpretively through an appropriate variety of perspectives;
interest broad audiences; and
employ appealing and accessible program formats that will actively engage the public in learning.
To ensure that the humanities ideas are well conceived, projects must use a team of scholars who represent major fields relevant to the subject matter and offer diverse perspectives and approaches. Projects may also include other participants with experience and knowledge appropriate to the project’s formats or technical requirements.