SHFS is concerned that the common history of a community or area often goes unrecognized and unnoticed. Through the Local History Marker Program, SHFS is looking to partner with groups and organizations for the preservation of an area's historical significance with the erection of lasting metal markers.

Who may Apply?
Any group, organization or individual with an historical story to tell may apply for a grant. This story can be about natural or human history. The text on the plaque should be written from a social perspective, explaining how people in the community or the province at large were affected by the story's subject.

Schools, churches and cemeteries are very well represented by SHFS markers. Consequently, applications for these types of projects will be considered only if the project is unique to Saskatchewan.

For projects of great significance to the province, the Society is willing to completely sponsor the cost of a plaque.

The Story in Cast Metal
The Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society will provide both administrative and financial assistance to community-based projects aimed at establishing historical plaques.

Although the plaques supported by SHFS often relate to stories of local rather than national or provincial significance, it is important to remember that these plaques must still recognize an item of historical interest.

Criteria:

• for stories about an individual, the individual must be deceased and his or her story must be at least 25 years old
• for stories about local institutions that have ceased to operate or exist, the story should tell more than simply the institution's duration
• when any individual is named in a story, his or her full name should be used instead of the individual's initials
• all submissisons must be backed by documentation. documentation should be as close to a primary source as possible (i.e. photocopies of acutal registers, minutes, photographs, diaries, land titles, maps, newspaper clippings, etc.)* Photocopies from local history books are not acceptable, unless details are supported by photocopies from primary documents. Research is the applicant's responsibility.
• in approving submitted applications, SHFS reserves the right to recommend alternate wording for the marker text
• a detailed description of the cairn must accompany the application
• SHFS must receive a photograph of the installed plaque
• applicants are encouraged to have clear public access to their marker and cairn
• applicants or other designated body should carry out regular maintenance of the site
• plaque ownership is retained by the applicant

Research Facilities:

• Saskatchewan Archives Board 787-4068 Regina or 933-5832 Saskatoon
• Saskatchewan Board of Education 787-6030 Regina
• Saskatchewan Land Titles Office 787-5513 Regina
• Prairie History Room 777-6019 Regina
• Local History Room 975-7578 Saskatoon
• Local museums and archives in your community might also provide assistance

What does the Plaque look like?

Plaque must be either of cast aluminum or bronze metal - 18" wide x 24" tall. It is a rectangular shape with a rounded top, bordered with a silver raised flat edge.

Average length of text is 110 words. The inscription is in uppercase, raised silver letters against a glossy black painted background.

SHFS logo and name are at the top of the plaque with SHFS mandate statement at the bottom. Four screws are provided with the plaque which attach to its back. The screws are not visible from the front.

When to Apply:
The deadline every year is February 28th.

Ensure that all information requested on the application form is complete to avoid delay in processing.

Allow four months from the time the application is approved until the actual plaque is delivered directly to the project contact person.