Kate Farrar

The Noah Webster House is among 17 Connecticut arts and cultural centers to receive a $5,000 relief grant through Connecticut Humanities and the Connecticut Office of the Arts Cultural Relief Grants program to assist with operating expenses and provide valuable programs and services to the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our state, residents, and businesses. Among the entities hit hardest by the pandemic are our state's cultural centers," said State Representative Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford). "With this funding, the Noah Webster House can continue teaching residents about Noah Webster's legacy as well as West Hartford's rich history and remain a vital part of our town's vibrant culture."

"We are so grateful to Connecticut Humanities, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, and the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority for supporting the work of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society during this difficult time. We recognize that the strides we have taken thus far to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are only just the beginning. With the support of the Cultural Relief Grant, we will strive to find new ways to support the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community as we preserve and share the history of our community," said Jennifer DiCola Matos, Executive Director of the Noah Webster House/West Hartford Historical Society.

The fund offers COVID-19 relief to non-profit arts and humanities organizations continuing to provide programming and services despite experiencing financial hardship. Total funding for this program was $85,000. These grants are supported by a 2021 COVID-19 grant award from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority.

The selected organizations were prioritized by their commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community. Additional consideration was given to nonprofits with operating budgets less than $5,000.

The Noah Webster House is the birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, who created the first American dictionary. Webster was also a teacher, lawyer, and early abolitionist. The Noah Webster House seeks to immerse community members in the history of the town where Webster grew up as well as the town's greater history and its contributions to the advancement of society. Additional information about the House is available at www.noahwebsterhouse.org.