CASPIAN — To assist organizations in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Humanities has made emergency funding through the American Rescue Plan available to museums, libraries, archives, historic sites and other humanities-focused nonprofits affected by the pandemic throughout the state.

The Iron County Historical Museum applied for a Michigan Humanities Organizations Pandemic Emergency HOPE Grant this summer and recently was awarded $10,000 that will be put toward programming and general marketing in 2022.

“The museum experienced a significant loss of revenue throughout the duration of the pandemic, and we anticipate that the financial toll is still racking up,” said Erika Sauter, museum director. “This grant is coming at a perfect time and will be a huge help to us as we make plans for 2022.”

The grant will be used to offer a series of programs called “Histories Mysteries,” which will be promoted throughout the region to bring in outside dollars to area businesses and lodging. Other programs will include the return of the “Living History” workshop for students that will help them engage with history in hands-on ways, including learning about early Native American culture, homesteading, mining, logging and other topics of local historical relevance.

“It’s well-documented that arts and cultural events aid in the economic recovery of communities who have experienced a disaster by bringing in tourism dollars and restoring a sense of place and pride in locals,” Sauter said. “This grant is not only an investment in the museum but in Iron County, too.” Sauter explained the grant also includes funds to do general marketing for the museum. “We plan to work with professionals to create digital ads, updated billboards and improvements to our website,” she said.

The grant requires some matching funds, which can be in the form of staff salaries, in-kind donations through volunteer hours and partnerships with local businesses. “Grant or no grant, we hope to expand our partnerships in Iron County for the benefit of other non-profits and small businesses,” Sauter said.

More information on the programs for 2022 will be made available in the coming months. To stay up to date, follow the Iron County Museum on Facebook or subscribe to the biannual newsletter by calling 906-265-2617.