State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, today announced a $40,000 Capital Maintenance and Improvement Grant for the National Alliance of Pan African Seminarians (NAPAS) to benefit the Moore Flatwoods Museum in Benton 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. 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.
“The Moore Family Farm has an extremely rich history that tells an important story of the Reconstruction period,” Reedy said. “I appreciate the work the NAPAS does in helping protect the legacy of John and Harriet Moore and their farmstead, and I look forward to seeing the improvements that result from this funding. Preserving our history and cultural heritage is essential, and I’m grateful to the Tennessee State Museum for selecting such a deserving recipient.”
NAPAS will use the grant money for plumbing, electrical and masonry work at the Moore Flatwoods Museum, an indoor and outdoor interpretive working historic landmark. The organization has partnered with Moore Farm since 2004 to help preserve and research history, recruit volunteers, host events, and identify various opportunities to help develop the farm’s vision.
The Moore Family Farm was established in 1870 and is recognized as a Tennessee Century Farm, meaning it has been owned by the same family for at least 100 years.
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.
