The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH), with support from the State of Louisiana, has awarded $65,000 in Emergency Readiness Grants to 17 cultural organizations across 11 parishes. In Rapides Parish, the Southern Forest Heritage Museum received $3,000 to strengthen its preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies.

These grants help museums, archives, historic sites, and other cultural institutions develop emergency plans, train staff, make structural improvements, and take steps to protect valuable collections from future threats. Funding can also support insurance deductibles, digital preservation, and other mitigation measures.

“Cultural institutions like the Southern Forest Heritage Museum are vital to preserving Louisiana’s history and heritage,” said LEH representatives. “These grants provide the resources and guidance to help them prepare for emergencies, protecting both their collections and the communities they serve.”

Previous recipients, such as the Opelousas Museum, have used LEH grants to create emergency readiness plans, supply kits, and building improvements—including roof repairs, tree trimming, and termite prevention measures—to ensure long-term protection of collections.

In Rapides Parish, the Southern Forest Heritage Museum plans to use the grant funds to strengthen its emergency preparedness, ensuring its exhibits and resources remain safe for the public while fostering community resilience during disasters.

LEH’s Emergency Readiness Grants are part of an ongoing effort to safeguard Louisiana’s cultural institutions from the impacts of hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies, helping them continue their mission of education, preservation, and community engagement.