MSU library awarded $10,000 grant, preserving Greek collection

Morehead State University’s Camden-Carroll Library has been awarded $10,000 from the Kentucky Historical Society through the America250KY grant program. The program supports communities and historical organizations in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The funding will support “Echoes of Antiquity: Preserving and Interpreting the Greek Cast Collection at Morehead State University,” a project focused on conserving and reinterpreting a remarkable collection of Greek cast artwork housed at the Camden-Carroll Library for nearly five decades.

The collection—life-sized replicas of ancient Greek sculptures—was created to introduce American audiences to classical art and philosophy. On long-term loan and partially donated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the casts now serve as artistic treasures and educational tools, linking ancient aesthetics and democratic ideals to America’s founding principles.

“In the short term, the collection will be professionally preserved and enhanced with interpretive signage, increasing its accessibility and educational value. A digital component will provide wider public access and allow us to measure engagement through analytics and user feedback. In the long term, the initiative will help cement MSU’s Camden-Carroll Library as a regional cultural center, drawing tourists, scholars, and students to eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Jasmyne Lewis (Class of 2004), dean of library services.

The project begins with a professional conservation assessment to guide stabilization and light cleaning, followed by investments in preservation materials such as UV-filtering covers and museum-grade supports. Interpretive signage will connect the sculptures to ancient Greek culture and the philosophical foundations of American democracy. QR codes will link to digital content, including audio tours, faculty interviews, and lesson plans designed for learners of all ages.

“Effective and timely implementation of project goals led by the project director paired with accurate grant administration on behalf of the institution, can have a very positive effect on future funding applications,” said Nellie Middleton, MSU grants and contract administrator.

For nearly 50 years, the Greek cast collection has allowed rural students and visitors in Appalachia to engage with art that once seemed distant, situating Kentucky within broader cultural and historical narratives. By preserving these works and enriching their interpretation, Camden-Carroll Library ensures the collection continues to inspire future generations while promoting heritage tourism in the region.

The initiative also reinforces the library’s role as a civic and cultural space. “It is a public space where ideas, history, and identity intersect,” said Lewis. “By preserving and interpreting the Greek cast collection, the library is reaffirmed as a place where the community can come together to engage with its past and envision its future.”

To learn more about the Camden-Carroll Library, email ask@moreheadstate.libanswers.com or call 606-783-2200.