Technical Assistance and New Century Grants

The Cultural Resources Information Center, or CRIC, serves as an information clearinghouse and source of technical assistance to Maine's cultural and historical collecting institutions. CRIC also administers Maine's New Century Community Program Collections Facilities Grants.

Working with a wide variety of museums, historical societies, libraries, and archives ranging from small, volunteer-run organizations to mid-sized institutions with professionally-trained staff, the CRIC office assists with topics such as collections care and conservation, mission statements, museum/organizational policies, grant writing and fund-raising, collections cataloging, accessibility issues, trusteeship, and much, much more.

Do you have a project in mind and are not sure how to go about it? Would you like to apply for a grant and are not sure exactly how? The CRIC office is here to help.

CRIC provides a variety of resources including printed materials, sample documents or references to books, websites or professional consultants, referrals to workshops, grant sources, and other professional development or funding opportunities.

The New Century Community Program Collections Facilities Grant Program is designed to help preserve Maine facilities housing historically, scientifically or artistically significant collections. Examples of eligible projects include physical repair and preservation, purchase of shelving, boxes or other storage materials, improved access projects, or engaging a consultant to assess the facility and develop a preservation plan recommendation. Grant awards are in the $500 to $5,000 range. Grant guidelines and application forms are available on the CRIC website or by calling the office. Depending on available funds, the next application deadline will likely be in the fall of 2010.

The CRIC office is currently only staffed one day a week. For assistance, please contact:

Sheri Leahan
CRIC Project DirectorAugusta, ME 04333-0084
Phone: 207-287-7591
Email: maine.cric@maine.gov

Visit Cultural Resources Information Center for more information.