GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)— As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the local nonprofit organization Preserving Galion, Inc. has been awarded a Trillium Local Activity Grant by the America 250-Ohio Commission. The grant will support the “205 Years, One Family, A National Story” project, a testament to Galion’s rich heritage and its connection to national history.
The Trillium Local Activity Grants, which provide up to $5,000, are designed to fund projects that have a significant impact on local communities. Eligible initiatives include exhibitions, educational programs, and digital media projects that celebrate and educate the public about Ohio’s history.
Doug Preisse, co-chair of the America 250-Ohio Commission, praised the efforts of Preserving Galion, Inc., stating, “Their dedication to educating the public and honoring Ohio’s illustrious history is commendable. These projects are crucial for highlighting our state’s legacy as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.”
Out of more than 170 applications, Preserving Galion, Inc. was selected as one of the 61 recipients during the spring 2024 funding cycle. To date, the America 250-Ohio Commission, in collaboration with Ohio Humanities, has distributed $1 million in grants to 84 organizations, fostering a statewide celebration of Ohio’s achievements, struggles, and innovations.
The funded project by Preserving Galion will establish the community’s first museum-quality exhibit, showcasing over two centuries of the Gill family’s contributions to Galion and their connections with notable figures such as Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford, and architect Louis Kamper. This exhibit aims to engage visitors with the broader narratives of America’s history.
The Gill House, a focal point of the project, is a significant historical site associated with Mina Miller Edison. It stands as the only Neoclassical house in America designed by the renowned architect Louis Kamper that is open to the public.
For more information on the America 250-Ohio Commission’s grant program and upcoming bicentennial events, visit America250-Ohio.org/grants.
