Montgomery Museum asks county for cash match to compete for Virginia 250 preservation grant

Casey Jenkins, representing the Montgomery Museum of Art & History, asked the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9 to provide a local cash match and a letter of support so the museum can compete for a state 'Virginia 250' preservation grant. Jenkins said the governor and Department of Historic Resources set aside $20,000,000 statewide for projects that prioritize shovel‑ready capital work and economic development tied to Virginia's 250th anniversary.

Jenkins described a grant project that would fund installation of a limited‑use elevator to meet ADA accessibility needs and an exhibit build‑out commemorating Montgomery County's 250th anniversary. He told the board the museum's package assumes roughly $250,000 for elevator installation, $50,000 for architectural drawings and an estimated local match of about $117,000 (one‑third of the project's locally proposed budget). Jenkins said the museum will submit a full application in mid‑October and that awards would be announced in late December, with construction able to begin as early as January if funded.

Several supervisors praised the museum's fundraising and community role. Supervisor Byrne said the museum is “a huge asset for the county,” and Vice Chair Fidzikowski noted the organization's private fundraising and the county's prior support. Jenkins said county funds would be requested only if the state award is secured.

The board signaled support for moving forward with documentation of local commitment; staff and the museum will follow up on the request and, if needed, return with a formal letter or resolution for the board to consider. No formal county funding commitment was authorized at the meeting; the request was offered contingent on a successful state grant award.