Clearmont Historical Society Scores Community Challenge Grant

Non-profit organizations in Clearmont, Thermopolis, and Sheridan scored a total of four Community Challenge Grants totaling $31,000, AARP announced this fall.

The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas. Notably, 45% of this year’s funded projects are in rural communities, with nearly $2 million that will support 175 projects, marking AARP’s largest investment in rural grantmaking to date.

Clearmont Historical Group has been selected to receive a Flagship Grant of $7,500 through the 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant program. The town of Clearmont sits on the road to Yellowstone National Park and its population is listed as 123, but thanks to the work of the Clearmont Historical Group, the Clearmont Historical Center consistently punches above its weight, with its exhibits on dinosaurs, pioneers, and cowboy life. AARP’s Community Grant funding will be used to add sidewalks to the 110 year-old Historical Center, which has previously served as the town’s post office, and mercantile. The sidewalks will replace a dirt entry path to the facility. Further sidewalk development will link the museum to Branding Iron Park. The Center will also replace its decking and add wheelchair accessibility to the facility.

“The grant funding and projects will give us better access for seniors and the general public for our programs and community events,” said Robert Prusak, President of the Clearmont Historical Group. “It will allow us to link up with the park and allow us to have larger events if we can move activities to the park. It just makes it easier to get around. Right now, that side of the building is dirt and mud.”