The Butler County Historical Society and Historic Harmony each received a $4,000 grant from the state to help pay operating expenses.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission awarded the grants and 156 others statewide totaling nearly $2 million from the cultural and historical support grant program that finances the general operation of museums and historical societies.

The grants were announced Monday, Dec. 11.

“We apply for it every year as do most historical societies,” said Jennifer Ford, county historical society executive director. “It’s called a support grant. This is for operations — lights, repairs, salaries — whatever we need it for.

“Four thousand is the maximum they award and we’re thankful we get that. We’re always grateful for it. We would have to do several fundraisers to get $4,000.”

Utility bills for the society’s properties including its office and research library at the nearly 200-year-old Sen. Walter Lowrie House in Butler have increased, she said.

“Utility bills have gone up. Heating an almost 200-year-old house is expensive,” Ford said.

The goal of the grant program is to help the state’s museums and county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. An eligible museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person.

A representative of Historic Harmony could not be reached for comment.