The Sheridan County Commission approved an agreement on October 26, 2026 that will allow the county to pursue federal grant funding for the Kendrick Pool House historic nomination. The agreement involves the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the Sheridan County Historic Preservation Commission.
Background and Funding Process
In 2025 the City of Sheridan expressed interest in nominating both the Kendrick Pool House and the Sheridan City Hall for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. To qualify for federal grant money, the applications had to be routed through the county’s Certified Local Government (CLG), which is the Sheridan County Historic Preservation Commission.
The commission filed the grant applications in March 2026. On September 22, 2026 the county received an award letter confirming that the grant had been approved. The funding will cover the costs of preparing the National Register nominations and hiring a qualified contractor to complete the work.
Next Steps and Project Management
With the grant award in hand, the commission plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this week to select a contractor experienced in historic preservation. The selected firm will be responsible for completing the nomination documents for each project.
All work will be overseen by the county. A dedicated committee has been formed to guide the process. The committee includes two members of the Historic Preservation Commission, one representative from the Downtown Sheridan Association, and two employees from the City of Sheridan. This collaborative structure ensures that both county and city perspectives are represented.
Timeline
The scope of work for each nomination must be completed by September 2028. This timeline gives the contractor ample time to conduct research, gather documentation, and prepare the formal nomination packages required by the State Historic Preservation Office.
Community Impact
Securing a place on the National Register can bring several benefits to Sheridan. Historic designation often raises public awareness of local heritage, encourages tourism, and can make additional preservation funding available. For residents, the recognition of the Kendrick Pool House underscores the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural landmarks.
County officials emphasized that the project aligns with Sheridan’s broader goals of promoting heritage tourism and supporting downtown revitalization. By working closely with the Downtown Sheridan Association, the commission hopes the nomination will complement ongoing efforts to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity in the historic core.
Statements from Officials
Christina Haworth, chair of the County Historic Preservation Commission, said, “This grant represents a significant step forward in preserving Sheridan’s unique history. The Kendrick Pool House is a beloved landmark, and its nomination will help ensure that future generations can appreciate its role in our community.”
County Commissioner John Miller added, “Investing in historic preservation is an investment in our identity and our economy. We look forward to seeing the nomination process move forward and to the positive ripple effects it will have for Sheridan.”
Looking Ahead
The commission will monitor the RFP process closely and keep the public informed of milestones. Residents interested in learning more about the nomination or offering input are encouraged to attend upcoming commission meetings, details of which will be posted on the county’s website.
With the grant secured and a clear plan in place, Sheridan County is poised to showcase the Kendrick Pool House as a testament to the area’s rich past and a catalyst for future community pride.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
