Area organizations devoted to preserving the region’s history have been awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The McKean and Cameron county historical societies each received $8,000. The Eldred World War II Museum received $4,000.

“Our region has such a rich history, and we are fortunate to have county historical societies dedicated to preserving it for current and future generations,” state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said. “We are also blessed to have the Eldred World War II Museum, which does a great job highlighting the role the community of Eldred played in supporting the war effort. I was glad to support these important investments in these organizations.”

Additionally, both the Elk and Clearfield county historical societies received $8,000.

“Volunteers are the primary reasons these two grant recipients exist for our communities to enjoy, and I’m proud of the hard work and time the men and women who support them contribute in order to preserve our local history,” said state Rep. Mike Armanini, R-DuBois. “These are competitive grants and grant writing is not an easy task, so I applaud their leaders for submitting successful applications.”

The grants were awarded through PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. The program provides general operating support to museums and official county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs. Grants are awarded on a formula based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget.

The Elk County Historical Society is made up of The Robinson Museum and Center Street House at 109 Center St. in Ridgway. It also owns and operates Decker’s Chapel on Decker Chapel Road in St. Marys.