Celebrating 30 Years of the Allen Grove Local History Fund

For more than three decades, the Allen Grove Local History Fund has helped bring local history to life across Kent. From preserving precious archives to supporting community research, the Fund has enabled individuals and local history groups to turn ideas into lasting legacies.

But what do the following have in common?

• Community exhibitions and the publication of accompanying booklets

• Recording oral history interviews

• Preserving historic photographic glass negatives

• Producing a community survey for the Millennium

• Compiling a brickmakers' index

• Purchasing a camera to help record and share archival collections

The answer is simple: every one of these projects received support from the Allen Grove Local History Fund.

Supporting Local History Since 1994

The first grants were awarded in 1994, marking the beginning of a remarkable story of community heritage. Since then, the Fund has supported more than 140 projects, each contributing in its own way to preserving and sharing Kent's rich local history.

This impressive achievement has been made possible through the generous legacy of former Kent Archaeological Society President L. R. Allen Grove, whose passion for history continues to benefit communities today.

L. R. Allen Grove (1915–1991), whose generous legacy continues to support local history projects across Kent.

The Legacy of Allen Grove

L. R. Allen Grove (1915–1991), was appointed Curator and Librarian of Maidstone Museum in 1948, a position he held until his retirement in 1975. Throughout his distinguished career, he made an outstanding contribution to archaeology and local history and his generous legacy established the Allen Grove Local History Fund.

He served as President of the Kent Archaeological Society from 1986 to 1987 and was actively involved with many other organisations, including the Society of Antiquaries. His legacy lives on through the Fund that bears his name, helping new generations of researchers, volunteers and community groups explore and preserve local heritage.

Could Your Project Receive Funding?

If you have a local history project you'd like to develop, the Allen Grove Local History Fund may be able to help.

Applications are welcomed from individuals, local history societies and community groups for a wide range of projects that promote the understanding and preservation of local history. For group applications, the Fund Secretary will correspond with the named project leader.

Please note that grants are not available for archaeological excavation, fieldwork or works of fiction.

How to Apply

Application guidance and forms can be downloaded from the Kent Archaeological Society website or obtained by contacting the Allen Grove Fund Secretary at Allengroveadmin@kentarchaeology.org.uk.

Applications must be signed and dated to confirm acceptance of the Fund's Terms and Conditions.

Key dates to remember:

• Applications open: 1 June 2026

• Applications close: 30 September 2026

• Awards: Made annually following the committee's consideration of applications after the closing date.

  
  

In recent years, the average grant awarded has been around £500, helping projects of all sizes make a meaningful impact.

Bring Your Local History Project to Life

Whether you're recording memories, preserving historic collections, researching your community's past or creating resources to share local stories, the Allen Grove Local History Fund could help make your project a reality.

After supporting more than 140 projects over the last 30 years, the Fund continues to invest in the people and organisations dedicated to preserving Kent's heritage.

If you have an idea worth preserving, we'd love to hear from you.