Does your community have a great piece of folklore that should be shared? Legends & Lore is designed to promote cultural tourism and commemorate legends and folklore as part of our heritage.
Generally speaking, folklore is the stories, customs, traditions, and expressive arts and crafts that are passed on from one person to another, often from generation to generation. Folklore is the knowledge that people share as members of a group or community. Our shared identities and sense of belonging are the result of shared traditions, stories, customs, and activities.
Applications for the first round of grants are due Monday, April 28, 2025. Applications for the second round of grants will become available online August 25, 2025.
Legends and Folklore Subject Matter Guidelines
Successful Legends & Lore marker applications typically fall within three main categories:
- Folklife — Traditions such as music, skills, crafts, and events passed along within a community. Often involving real people that can be verified with primary sources. (e.g. “Goose Day,” The Arborglyphs, Dennis McGee, Herbs & Healing, Folk Singer)
- Folktale — Fictional stories passed down about people or events not proven to have existed. (e.g. Thirteen Curves, Champy, Headless Horseman, Tramping Ground)
- Legends — Stories passed down that are popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable. (e.g. John Henry, Grancer’s Ghost, Betsy’s Ride, Natty Bumppo, “Natty Bumppo”)
Subjects which are not successful include:
- Historical events lacking a folkloric aspect
- “Legendary” or famous persons lacking a folkloric aspect to the story
- Purely literary creations
- Personal/family folklore which does not extend to the greater community
Eligibility
Legends & Lore grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state and federal government entities within the United States. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact an eligible local organization, such as an applicable historical society or folklore-related nonprofit. They will often apply for the grant on behalf of the individual.
Please note that Legends & Lore is currently available in the following 14 states: Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia. Check back regularly for program availability in your state.
Application Deadlines in 2025
ROUND 1
- March 10, 2025 – Application available online
- April 28, 2025 – Application deadline
- August 2025 – Grants awarded
ROUND 2
- August 25, 2025 – Application available online
- October 13, 2025 – Application deadline
- January 2026 – Grants awarded
About the William G. Pomeroy Foundation
The Pomeroy Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Syracuse, N.Y. As the nation’s leading funder of historical roadside markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,400 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 48 states and Washington, D.C. Markers educate the public, encourage pride of place, promote tourism and preserve stories.
