State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, today announced that $77,895 in state grant funding has been awarded to museums and historic sites in Lewis County for capital maintenance and improvement projects.
The Lewis County Historical Society received a $33,395 grant and the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee received $44,500. The funds are part of a $5 million appropriation approved by the General Assembly for the Tennessee State Museum in the 2024-25 state budget.
“Lewis County has a fascinating past and a unique cultural heritage,” Barrett said. “Ensuring the preservation of history is vital to every community, and while the missions of these organizations differ, they both offer visitors captivating information and stories worth hearing. I’m grateful for their dedication to education and conservation in Lewis County.”
The competitive grants are administered by the Tennessee State Museum to museums and historic sites across the state for accessibility improvements, window and roof repairs and replacements, foundation work, and HVAC and electrical projects.
Eighty-three museums across 46 counties received a Capital Maintenance and Improvement Grant this year. Since the program’s inception in 2023, museums in 68 counties have been awarded funds to help preserve Tennessee’s history.
State Rep. Jody Barrett represents House District 69, which includes Lewis, Hickman and part of Dickson counties.