TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas recently awarded a SHARP Recovery Grant in the amount of $8,807, to the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum.
SHARP Recovery Grants support Kansas cultural organizations that provide humanities programming and have faced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-'21. Grants may be used for general operating support, staff retention, and needed digital and/or operational transitions for cultural work in the post-pandemic era.
"Humanities Kansas is honored to support Kansas cultural organizations as we recover from the impact of COVID," said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas executive director. "Kansas cultural organizations provide important social connections and contribute to the economic well-being and strength of each of our communities."
Museum Executive Director Kay Quinn added, "This funding was greatly appreciated, as our newly privatized museum works to gain momentum in programming, guest attendance and how we serve our communities of the Smoky Valley."
Additionally, Humanities Kansas recently awarded the second half of a $10,000 grant to the museum, in support of its newer Not The Same Old Grind exhibit that opened in August. The exhibit highlights the flour-milling industry of McPherson County and Lindsborg, focusing on construction of the brick Old Mill in 1898, the impact of farming and flour-milling over time, and the value of having one of the few fully restored and operational roller mills in the U.S., to support local education and regional heritage tourism.
Among the activities done by staff and community leaders to complete the exhibit grant was the late-August launch of the signature Old Mill Lunchbox Cookie, in partnership with Carla Wilson and 350 Degrees Bakery. The cookie will be relaunched for the holiday season on Nov. 12, and will be available only at 350 Degree through Dec. 11.
Funds for the SHARP Recovery Grants were made available through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to assist cultural institutions affected by the coronavirus, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) approved by the U.S. Congress and the President. Humanities Kansas awarded 121 SHARP grants statewide.