Historic Mural Project
2023 Mural Projects
In order to promote local history in our schools, the Stafford County Museum and Cultural Center is partnering with the Stafford Education Foundation to offer grants to Stafford County Public Schools to paint historic murals in their buildings. Murals could focus on school, community, or county history and should be age and culturally appropriate. Schools will submit information to include the design, mural artist, placement in the building, budget, and timeline for completion.
The Stafford Education Foundation is pleased to announce the 2023 application cycle is open!
Application for the 2023 Mural Project closes on Friday, May 31 2024
2021-2022 Mural Projects
Stafford Education Foundation Announces Historic Mural Grant Project in Partnership with the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center
STAFFORD, VA — The Stafford Education Foundation (SEF) is excited to announce a partnership with the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center designed to celebrate and build community awareness of local history in Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS).
The collaborative partnership, formed in March 2021, brought together board members of SEF, members of the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center, SCPS administrators, and leadership from SCPS’s Office of Equity and Accountability and Learning and Organizational Development Departments. The competitive historic mural grant program has provided more than $40,000 to fund mural projects that highlight Stafford County’s rich history.
“We applaud the commitment of the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center to our students and community,” shared SEF Board President, Stephanie Johnson. “These murals will support student learning and inspire our students for many years to come.”
All Stafford County Public Schools were invited to apply for a portion of the grant. Schools formed diverse project teams that included principal/administrators, students, equity and family advocates, art and social studies teachers, parents, community members, and historical experts.
“We are proud to partner with the Stafford County Schools and the Stafford Education Foundation to show the rich history of Stafford County as well as the creativity and artistic skills of our students,” said Scott Mayausky of Stafford County Museum and Cultural Center. “These murals will serve as a source of pride not only for the students and schools but the entire community.”
Following the competitive application process, grants in the amount of $4,000 were awarded to 11 schools that submitted innovative, thoughtful, and compelling projects that brought together students, teachers, and local artists to paint historic murals in school buildings.
Mural grants were awarded to the following schools:
Anthony Burns Elementary School
Conway Elementary School
Falmouth Elementary School
Grafton Village Elementary School
Margaret Brent Elementary School
Rocky Run Elementary School
Widewater Elementary School
Edward E. Drew Middle School
Rodney E. Thompson Middle School
Colonial Forge High School
Stafford High School
“Our students and our learning communities are benefitting every day from this partnership,” said SCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Stanley B. Jones. “This is a unique way to collaborate with our community and share our combined Stafford story.”
Several of the murals are completed and the remaining projects will be finished throughout the school year. Additional information with details regarding public unveiling events will be shared with families and the community on SEF social media: Facebook @StaffordEducationFoundation, Instagram @1scpsfoundation, and Twitter @1scpsfoundation.
To learn more about the Stafford Education Foundation, visit https://www.thestaffordeducationfoundation.com/.
For more information about the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center, visit https://staffordcountymuseum.com/.
-30-
Above Image: Stafford High School Fine Arts teacher Nick Candela works on their school’s historic mural featuring Native American heritage.
Above Image: The Grafton Village Elementary School mural highlights President Lincoln’s connection to the Stafford community.
Above Image: Edward E. Drew Middle School’s mural honors the pivotal history in Stafford County that took place at Stafford High Schools, which is the current Drew Middle School.
Above Image: Completed Historic Mural at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School
Above Image: Margaret Brent Elementary School mural in development with artist, Tanya Green, shown.
Above Image: A student at Colonial Forge High School works on their school’s historic mural.
Above Image: The historic mural at Anthony Burns Elementary School features QR codes with student videos on the individuals depicted on the mural.
Above Image: The Falmouth Elementary School historic mural runs along the top of the wall in hallway from the main office to beyond the cafeteria showcasing important elements of Stafford and Virginia history.
Above Image: The historic mural at Conway Elementary School features nearby neighborhoods where current students live.
Above Image: Rocky Run Elementary School’s historic mural is interactive with photography and information that will change throughout the school year to align with information students are learning.