Wimbledon museum gets grant

Ten North Dakota tourism entities received 2011 Tourism Infrastructure and Expansion Grants from the North Dakota Department of Commerce. These grants support new or expanding tourism or recreation facilities or designated development areas primarily by funding infrastructure projects. The Tourism Infrastructure and Expansion Grants are matching grants requiring the sponsor to provide $1 for every $2 of grant money being requested. The total amount of grant dollars awarded for this program is $99,312.

Among the recipients was the Wimbledon Community Museum, Wimbledon, to restore the 1913 Midland Continental Depot. Included will be information and artifacts from Peggy Lee, who lived in the depot’s upstairs living quarters as a teenager when her father was the depot agent. The museum received a $15,000 grant.

Grant recipients can use the funds to remodel or preserve existing tourism and recreation attractions, historical sites and artifacts. Funds may be used to build or purchase new attractions, historical sites and artifacts, and purchase equipment. Qualifying attractions include recreation, historical sites, festival and cultural events, lodging and food services that are singularly and uniquely related to historical, cultural or recreational tourist attractions and guide services. They must have the ability to attract a visitor 50 miles one-way and retain a visitor for at least three hours.

Tags: in the area, community, tourism, wimbledon, museum