State Rep. Kelly Keisling Announces Museum Capital Grants for District 38

State Representative Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown) announced today that three museums in House District 38 have been awarded capital maintenance and improvement grants totaling $203,920 from the Tennessee State Museum.

The grants were made possible through $5 million in funding provided by the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2025-2026 Appropriations Act for the sole purpose of providing grants to museums with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or affiliated with a governmental entity for capital maintenance and improvements.

“Our local museums preserve the rich history and heritage of our communities for future generations,” said Rep. Keisling. “These grants will help ensure that the stories of Clay and Pickett Counties continue to be told and that these important facilities are maintained for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. I’m proud to support these investments in our local history.”

In House District 38, the Tennessee State Museum is administering the following grant awards:

• Clay County Government – Rolley Hole Museum: $100,000

• Clay County Museum: $93,600

• Pickett CCC Memorial State Park: $10,320

The grant program was highly competitive, with the Tennessee State Museum receiving 178 applications totaling $12 million in funding requests. The Museum made full or partial awards to 99 museums across the state, representing 46 counties. Over the three years of the grant program, the State Museum has supported 173 unique museums in 73 counties.

“There is incredible work being done throughout Tennessee by our strong network of museums,” Rep. Keisling added. “These institutions are vital to preserving local and state history, and I’m pleased the General Assembly continues to support their important mission.”

The grants will support capital improvements and maintenance projects that help preserve historical artifacts, improve visitor experiences, and ensure these cultural institutions remain accessible to the public for years to come.