Two historical societies in the county received state grants aimed at keeping their operations up and running.

The Butler County Historical Society and Harmony Museum each were awarded $4,000 in Cultural and Historical Support Grants by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with the awards designed to help fund general operating expenses rather than new exhibits.

Rodney Gasch, president of Harmony Museum, said the award, while not eye-catching amounts, will certainly help with the museum’s finances.

“It’s not substantial for the Heinz History Center, but for the small community historical societies, it’s substantial,” he said.

Both societies received grants in the same dollar amounts in March. Jennifer Ford, executive director of the county society, said that, while it is a yearly grant, the organization is appreciative for the help.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Sunday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.