Learn how you can obtain a fully funded roadside marker to recognize your community’s unique folklore! This workshop introduces the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s Legends & Lore® Marker Grant Program, which helps communities across the United States recognize and share local stories, customs, and traditions passed down through generations. The current application cycle closes April 27, 2026.
Attendees will learn about the Pomeroy Foundation’s marker grant programs and get an in-depth look at Legends & Lore in partnership with Virginia Folklife, the official partner for Virginia-based applications. The session will highlight Virginia folklore, why it’s important, and how Legends & Lore roadside markers can amplify awareness about a community’s unique cultural heritage.
Whether your subject is a folk song’s origins, a local agricultural tradition, or a long-standing community gathering, this session will explain the process of preparing and submitting a strong marker grant application. A Q&A will follow to answer questions and help you get started.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the meaning of folklore and how it connects people and places
- Learn about the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and its national marker grant programs
- Discover how markers support community identity, tourism, and storytelling
- Understand the types of stories and traditions eligible for Legends & Lore markers
- Gain tips for composing a strong marker grant application
Presenters: Katy Clune, State Folklorist and Director, Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities Emma MacDowell, Research Historian and Engagement Associate, William G. Pomeroy Foundation
This program will be recorded and posted to the Willam G. Pomeroy Foundation YouTube.
