Specialized advisory services are offered to both grant recipients and other Ontario museums and heritage groups. These services are provided by three museum advisors, one conservation advisor and one historical resources consultant. Site visits, training workshops and printed material such as the "Museum Notes" series are examples of the assistance available.

Provincial Heritage Organizations

Thirteen groups, including three Franco-ontarian organizations and the Multicultural History Society of Ontario, receive assistance under the Heritage Support Grant program. They serve as umbrella organizations for the major types of heritage activities across the province, and represent disciplines which include archaeology, genealogy, architecture, history, archives and museums. The organizations deliver programs and services that promote wide public access to Ontario's heritage and encourage public participation in heritage conservation activities.

Museums

Approximately 200 museums receive annual operating grants. This support strengthens the role of these museums in their communities as custodians and interpreters of the province's irreplaceable heritage collections. In addition they contribute to their communities' economic well-being as employers and tourist attractions, attracting over 2,300,000 visitors per year. Client museums are required to meet the criteria established in Regulation 877, "Grants for Museums," under the Ontario Heritage Act and the Ministry of Culture's "Standards for Community Museums in Ontario."

Historical Societies

Historical societies are non-profit organizations formed by citizens concerned with preserving the history of their local communities. Programs, carried out almost exclusively by volunteers, include: researching and producing publications on local history; holding workshops promoting heritage, and preserving local heritage resources such as artifacts, and archival documents and properties. Through these activities, many historical societies were responsible for the founding and development of their local community museums, and the researching and publication of local history information.

Approximately 160 historical societies and associations presently receive assistance. Client organizations meet the criteria established in Regulation 879, "Grants to Incorporated Historical Societies and Associations," under the Ontario Heritage Act.