The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is committed to assisting communities in celebrating their history. The Foundation emphasizes the significance of historic markers in promoting local historic preservation, educating the public, and fostering historic tourism, which ultimately supports local economies.
The New York State Historic Marker Grant Program, an initiative of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, aims to commemorate historical figures, places, things, or events within the time frame of 1740-1921. This grant program addresses a need left by the cessation of state funding for roadside markers in 1939. The Pomeroy Foundation has funded over 800 markers across 59 counties in New York State since 2006, supporting the belief that historic markers are crucial for historical preservation and education, as well as economic benefits through tourism. Applications for grants are accepted yearly within designated regions of New York State specified by the Association of Public Historians of New York State (APHNYS).