CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford Historical Society received a $1,000 grant Oct. 18 from Wells Fargo Foundation to support the organization’s mission to preserve Cranford’s history. Since 1927, the group has worked to keep the town’s unique history alive. It is the caretaker for two historic homes in town, Hanson House and Crane Phillips House Museum.
The grant was awarded as part of Wells Fargo’s Community Connections program, which provides local branch managers the opportunity to make a $1,000 charitable contribution on behalf of Wells Fargo to a nonprofit organization of their choice. The program also offers branch managers the opportunity to distribute additional grants to local nonprofits of their choice in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania.
The money received from the grant is planned to be used on the nonprofit’s Cranford Historical Society History Award Scholarship Fund. This is given each year to a Cranford High School senior.
Many of the team members at Wells Fargo reported they have been impacted by the Cranford Historical Society in some way. The Cranford Historical Society was extremely grateful for Wells Fargo’s support.
The Cranford Historical Society’s collection includes photographs, scrapbooks, glass negatives, furniture, tools, kitchen and farm implements, costumes, books, letters and other artifacts related to Cranford and its citizens. The organization continues to collect and document Cranford’s history for future generations.
Wells Fargo Northern New Jersey branches distributed a total of $148,000 in grants to support nonprofits, an increase from last year’s $139,000 in contributions. The nonprofits were selected by local branches according to their level of involvement in the community.
“We truly appreciate Wells Fargo’s support,” President of Cranford Historical Society Margaret Gerlach said in a recent press release. “We will use this grant for our Cranford Historical Society History Award Scholarship Fund given each year to a Cranford High School senior.”
Cranford Historical Society serves Cranford, New Jersey, Union County, New Jersey and Central Jersey. Wells Fargo held an annual breakfast for the recipients to be recognized, celebrated and thanked for all they do in the community. Their invaluable contributions and dedicated service empower northern New Jersey neighborhoods.
Wells Fargo team members in the area have expressed interest in this valuable organization, and according to branch manager Mascie Ghahremani some even volunteer for the organization themselves. Others are aware of the important work they do to preserve the history of one of Union County’s most historic towns.
The organization’s Award Scholarship Fund will continue to help residents get an education while preserving the legacy of the organization and town for years to come. The group will continue to serve the community through the work of dedicated volunteers.