City staff hopes a not-for-profit organization will step forward to apply for a $100,000 grant through the National Endowment for the Humanities Digital Projects.
Jefferson City's Historic Preservation Commission learned about the grant, which could tie into the local way-finding projects, at its regular meeting Tuesday.
The issue was discussed at a recent Heritage Council meeting. Jayme Abbott, neighborhood services coordinator, said a private $40,000 match already has been developed for the way-finding project. But a lead agency is needed to make application for the digital projects grant.
Digital projects could include installing information kiosks across town or creating an application, which would send an alert when a mobile device is close to a historical site.
"Grant applications are always looking for collaboration," Abbott said.
The Heritage Council shows collaboration already at work, she said of the casual and occasional meeting of various local organizations interested in promoting or conserving the community's history.
However, the grant application deadline is June 10. So, a lead agency is needed quickly.
In other business, the commission:
• Introduced the 2nd Ward Councilman Laura Ward as the new liaison. Ward previously served six years on the commission.
• Verified no adverse affects to historic property would come of an application by River City Habitat for Humanity, owner of 1405 E. High St., to partner with the city for Community Development Block Grant funds to prepare the site for new construction.
• Discussed the Missouri State Penitentiary's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, which has its final review by the state advisory council Friday.
• Learned the Historic City of Jefferson has revived its plans to submit ordinance changes to the commission later this year.
• Noted the Heritage Day Celebration, where the new city Landmark and Gregory Stockard Distinguished Service awards will be announced, will be held at 4 p.m. May 28 at the City Council chambers.