The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library are announcing a new program to help people across the country restore and preserve their local WW1 memorials.

The 100 Cities / 100 Memorials program is a fund-matching program, where groups or individuals can A) identify local WW1 memorials in their area, B) put together a conservation treatment proposal, C) submit their plan for consideration for matching grant funds, and D) have the memorial treated by an accredited conservator, with communication help and possible matching funds.  All WW1 memorial projects are eligible to be considered.  It is anticipated that 100 memorials will receive $2,000 per project; which is likely to be most useful for smaller conservation projects.

The program is designed to foster a sense of heritage in local communities, to recognize local stories and people who were involved in the war, and to create a way for community members to participate in the national WW1 Centennial.  The grant program is particularly well-suited for the community-service projects hosted by school groups, veteran group posts, historical organizations, etc.  Dan Dayton, Executive Director of the Centennial Commission, commented:  “Doughboys came from every town and village in the U.S.  This program gives the Commission a way to say thank you in a very tangible way.”

All submitted projects will be given communication resources to help participants publicize their work, post imagery to social media, and tell their own stories.  Also, Webinars and videos hosted by the Centennial Commission will provide information about conserving memorials, researching a memorial’s history, and creating a project plan for submission.

To qualify for a matching grant, a project proposal needs to be submitted by November 11, 2016.  Memorials need to be located in the 50 states or US territories, and the preservation work must be completed (or have been completed) between January 1, 2014 and November 11, 2018.

The fund-matching program has been adopted by the Americain Legion by Resolution of the National Executive Committee.  It is also Supported by the World War I Memorial Inventory Project.  Additional supporting organizations and additional sponsors to expand the funds available would also be welcome.

Information on the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission can be found at www.ww1cc.org.

Information about the Pritzker Military Museum and Library can be found at www.pritzkermilitary.org/WW1.

Information about the World War I Memorial Inventory Project can be found at https://www.facebook.com/wwiinventory/?fref=ts.