Two Northern Neck historical sites will receive funding through the Commonwealth History Fund.

Established in 2022, the Commonwealth History Fund supports meaningful history education and preservation projects throughout Virginia. According to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, more than 90 applications were submitted for this year’s grant cycle, requesting over $5 million in funding. Eleven projects were selected, with awards totaling $345,000.

Among the recipients is the Northumberland County Historical Society. Funding will be used to repair the facility’s HVAC system. Considered a preservation project, the work is intended to help protect the site’s historic holdings, which are considered irreplaceable.

The Northumberland County Historical Society was founded in 1963 to preserve and curate the county’s historic documents and artifacts. The site features a genealogical and historical library that includes family records, family Bibles, historic courthouse records and photographs, along with a museum displaying local artifacts.

The James Monroe Birthplace and Boyhood Home was also awarded funding. The site interprets the early life of James Monroe, the nation’s fifth president, and is part of a 74-acre county park that includes a timeline walking trail. The park also features a memorial, visitor center and a replica of Monroe’s home.

Funding from the Commonwealth History Fund will be used to add replicas of the kitchen and smokehouse from Monroe’s boyhood home.

According to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, grant applications related to the commemoration of the United States semiquincentennial received special consideration during the 2026 grant cycle.

“This legacy program commemorating America’s 250th anniversary exemplifies the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s commitment to being a leader in both the Commonwealth and our field,” said VMHC President and CEO Jamie Bosket. “We are grateful to be in the position to share not only resources but also collections and knowledge with our fellow institutions.”

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture founded the Commonwealth History Fund in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Since its creation, the program has awarded more than $2 million in funding to historyfocused organizations across Virginia, made possible in large part through support from Dominion Energy.