The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) helps strengthen Indiana's historical and cultural heritage through annual federal grants it administers to local communities and not-for-profit groups that these organizations use toward preservation projects.

This year, the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology has awarded 16 federal grants for historic preservation and archaeology in Indiana communities. The grants, totaling $494,793, provide a match of $473,756 in local and state funds, for a total projected investment of $968,549.

The funds come from the National Park Service, a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which distributes federal funds to the states through the Historic Preservation Fund Program. Since 1974, the state has awarded more than $16.5 million to Indiana communities through this program.

"Preserving our state's historic and cultural resources is a vital part of our mission," DNR director and State Historic Preservation Officer, Robert E. Carter Jr. said. "These worthy projects help revitalize communities, provide local jobs and investment, and allow Hoosiers to explore the cultures and people of Indiana's past."

The projects for the 2009 funding cycle are:

Allen and Hamilton counties: The Archaeological Survey of IPFW received a $48,939 grant to conduct an archaeological investigation of three sites in Allen County. All three sites represent large and important

elements of the Late Prehistoric Western Basin settlement system.

Adams County: ARCH, Inc. received a $27,472 award for a countywide survey to document historic sites, structures and landscapes throughout Adams County. The survey will cover 339 square miles, and is

expected to document approximately 1,850 sites for the state's historic sites and structures database.

Carroll County: Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana received a $26,719 award for a countywide survey to document historic sites, structures, and landscapes throughout Carroll County. The survey will cover 402 square miles, and is expected to document approximately 2,300 sites for the state's historic sites and structures database. Clark County: The Archaeological Survey of IPFW received a $43,730 grant to conduct archaeological investigations in Clark County, including two major Mississippian sites. This area contains important resources ranging from the Paleoindian to historic periods and is experiencing rapid development pressure.

Fort Wayne: The City of Fort Wayne Community Development received a $27,929 grant to prepare a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Brookview-Irvington Historic District, which will include approximately 315 contributing properties, and to design and print a brochure about the district and its history and architecture. The project will also prepare a nomination to the National Register for approximately 41 parks and 12 boulevards/parkways in the historic Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System.

Franklin County: Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana received a $26,735 award for a countywide survey to document historic sites, structures, and landscapes throughout Franklin County. The survey will cover 386 square miles, and is expected to document approximately 1,400 sites for the state's historic sites and structures database. Hancock County: The American Military Heritage Foundation received a $50,000 grant for the replacement of the right engine on the PV-2 Harpoon aircraft, also known as "Hot Stuff." The PV-2 Harpoon was a medium maritime anti-submarine patrol bomber used by both the Navy and the Marines throughout the Pacific in World War II. Replacement of the engine will return "Hot Stuff" to flying condition.  

Huntington: The Huntington Historic Preservation Review Board received a $50,000 grant to rehabilitate several masonry features at the 1923 Sunken Gardens in Huntington. The gardens were created in a former quarry and feature fieldstone bridges, columns, ponds and decorative plantings.

Indianapolis: Footlite Musicals, Inc., received a $36,750 grant to rehabilitate the exterior masonry, including 12 chimneys and the roof parapet, and the four iron balconies and fire escape on the Hedback Community Arts Center. New Albany: The City of New Albany received a $3,500 grant to prepare a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Hedden Park/Hedden Court Historic District, which includes approximately 45 contributing properties; and to prepare an individual National Register nomination for the William Young House.

Parke, Tipton, and Union counties: Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana received $15,829 to publish the results of the countywide historic sites and structures survey of Parke, Tipton and Union counties conducted in 2008-2009. Petersburg: The Pike County Commissioners received a $46,050 grant to stabilize and restore the stained glass dome of the Pike County Courthouse. The stained glass panels are deteriorated, the dome has structural flaws, and metal fatigue has weakened the supports, all of which were exacerbated by an earthquake in the area last year.