Virginia Humanities at WHRO recently announced winners from a new grant program targeted at Hampton Roads’ museums, libraries, historic sites, and other cultural nonprofits.
Local nonprofit organizations were invited to apply for up to $6,000 for projects that explore the stories of Hampton Roads—its history, people, communities, and cultural traditions—as well as issues and questions that impact the lives of Virginians in the present day.
The awards are part of a grant program from Virginia Humanities—the state humanities council—that awarded $113,193 in grants to 24 nonprofit organizations.
WHRO Public Media honored the grant winners with a reception last week.
Congratulations to the winners!
Living History Activities: 1750 Isle of Wight County Courthouse ($6000)
Smithfield, VA
Support for a series of living history reenactments during the Courthouse's 275th Anniversary, with stories commemorating Court Day, the Signing of the Declaration, Juneteenth, and Constitution Week.
Public Programming Honoring the Legacy of Irene Leache and Annie Wood: Chrysler Museum of Art ($6000)
Norfolk, VA
Support for public programming that will illuminate the lives and enduring legacies of Irene K. Leache and Annie C. Wood, two visionary educators who, in 1871, traveled to Norfolk and shaped the city’s post-Civil War educational and cultural renaissance.
Giving Voice to Those Who Serve at Home: Hero Kids Foundation ($1100)
Suffolk, VA
Support for a community-focused media program in Western Tidewater to empower youth from uniformed families to share their stories through hands-on videography and digital media training.
Military Aviation Museum Observation Deck Enhanced Visitor Experience: Military Aviation Museum ($6000)
Virginia Beach, VA
Support for the development of an interpretive exhibit space on the Museum’s Observation Deck which will explore aviation history, aircraft restoration, and personal stories from the World Wars.
Preserving and Displaying Historical Artifacts of Woodville School: Woodville Rosenwald School Foundation ($6000)
Gloucester, VA
Support for the design and installation of display cases for historical artifacts from the Woodville Rosenwald School, the only remaining Rosenwald School of the six that were built in Gloucester County.
Amplifying Talent: Students Take the Stage at Supernova: Supernova Alliance ($4900)
Hampton, VA
Support for the Amplifying Talent program which equips students from historically underrepresented communities with hands-on training in live event production while exploring the cultural roots of ska and reggae music.
Stars Among Us: Illuminating Untold Tales of the Holocaust: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater ($6000)
Virginia Beach, VA
Support for the Stars Among Us podcast, a project that focuses on sharing the lived experiences of Holocaust survivors who later made their home in Hampton Roads.
VSO Lecture for New Work: Virginia Symphony Orchestra ($6000)
Norfolk, VA
Support for a lecture program to complement an educational and musical showcase exploring how religious music is woven into the fiber of the Black American experience.
ROŪGE and The Great Filipino American Aswang Pageant: Rouge VA ($6000)
Norfolk, VA
Support for the Great Filipino American ASWANG Pageant, a multidisciplinary humanities project exploring how folklore shapes identity, memory, and belonging in the Filipino American community.
Deep Roots: Justin Holland’s Journey from Chesapeake to the World: Tidewater Classical Guitar ($6000)
Norfolk, VA
Support for "Deep Roots: Justin Holland’s Journey from Chesapeake to the World," a humanities-centered documentary exploring the life and legacy of Justin Holland—America’s first Black classical guitar virtuoso, born in what was historically Norfolk County, now part of Chesapeake’s Deep Creek region.
ACE (African Cultural Education) with TACA: Tidewater African Cultural Alliance ($6000)
Virginia Beach, VA
Support for a series of free after school programs that will teach elementary and middle school students about three African countries and how they relate to Virginia through geography, history, language, storytelling, and dance.
Visit VA Humanities at WHRO