“Local museums, historical societies and cultural centers are important purveyors of Virginia’s history and culture, but many have been hit hard by the pandemic,” said Matthew Gibson, Virginia Humanities’ executive director. “We’re grateful to Congress for their continued support of the public humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and NEH Acting Chairman Adam Wolfson, and we’re honored to have a role in helping Virginia’s cultural organizations get back on their feet.”

Red Hill’s Chief Executive Officer Hope E. Marstin said the funds will be used for the installation of sound barriers and recording equipment in the Casey Education Center at Red Hill.

“This will put this building to greater use for engagement and will provide the setting for live stream, virtual and eventual in-person programming,” Marstin said. “Grant funds will also support a moderator for live streams as well as outreach and marketing.”

Marstin said the COVID-19 pandemic made the foundation consider more innovative ways to use the center to expand our outreach and cultivation efforts.

The SHARP grants support the recovery of Virginia’s cultural sector which contributes $17.9 billion to Virginia’s economy each year, and employing more than 123,000 people in the state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.