Commemorate Ohio stories, customs, and traditions
with the Legends & Lore Roadside Marker Program
The Ohio Arts Council partners with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to bring the Legends & Lore® grant program to Ohio communities. Launched by the Pomeroy Foundation in 2015, Legends & Lore helps Ohioans commemorate local folklore and support cultural tourism with eye-catching roadside markers.
“Encouraging cultural tourism is an important part of promoting a vibrant Ohio arts economy,” said Donna S. Collins, OAC executive director. “The Ohio Arts Council is excited to spotlighting local folk and traditional arts and culture through Legends & Lore.”
Folklore is the stories, customs, traditions, and expressive arts that are passed down from one person to another, often from generation to generation. Most successful applications will likely include one of the following types of folklore:
- Myths
- Legends
- Tall tales
- Folktales
- Place-name stories
- Folksongs and ballads
- Superstitions
- Foodways
- Festivals & parades
- Local dances & music
- Vernacular architecture
- Arts & crafts unique to your area
For successful applicants, the cost of the marker, pole and shipping are completely covered by the Pomeroy Foundation and require no matching funds. Prospective applicants must apply through a local 501(c)(3) organization, such as a historical society, nonprofit academic institution, or a local, state, or federal government entity.
There are two Legends & Lore grant rounds each year. To review program guidelines and learn how to apply online, visit the Foundation’s website: www.wgpfoundation.org/history/legends-lore/.
Questions can be directed to Cristina Benedetti, OAC Folk &Traditional Arts Contractor at cristina.benedetti@oac.ohio.gov.
