The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is the only program in the U.S. Government that provides direct small grant support to heritage preservation in less-developed countries.

The program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2001 with $1 million. To date, the Ambassador's Fund has supported 379 projects worldwide, totaling $9.5 million. Funded projects include technical support for the restoration of historic buildings; assessment and conservation of museum collections; archaeological site preservation; documentation to save threatened traditional crafts; improved storage conditions for archives and manuscripts; recording oral history; and documentation of indigenous languages.
The following are projects supported by the AFCP in Laos:

2001: A Stonehedge in Laos: Mapping, Archiving, Exhibiting

The project focuses on 10th and 11th century standing stones or menhirs which are under threat from a U.S. funded road development project in the Huaphan region of Laos. Funds were used to inventory and survey the Ban Peun Menhir Site, assess the impact of the road construction, and create a site management plan. Award: $10,000

2003: Creation of the Huaphan Menhirs Archeological Park

Preservation and Presentation of Laos’ Stonehedge A second year of funding which builds on 2001’s efforts to inventory, survey, map, archive and preserve the menhirs of Hua Phan Province. This year's grant funds additional preservation, produces educational material for tourists and locals, provides interpretation signs and displays for the trails and main road to the sites. Award: $12,400

2004: Wat Sisaket Museum:  Physical and Digital Conservation and Cultural Heritage Outreach

To support on-site, hands-on conservation training workshops in theory and practice beginning with wall paintings and masonry repair of the museum building. Vat Sisaket, was built by King Chao Anouvong between 1819-1824 as a symbolic gesture of his independence from Bangkok. It was the only temple that survived the 1828-29 sack of Vientiane by the Siamese. Award: $16,000

2005: Ho Phra Keo Museum

To support the inventory and improved display of the museum's artifacts. Interpretive panels will be added to the displays and an interactive digital catalogue will be created. Ho Phra Keo was originally built in 1565 and restored in 1936; its design was inspired by Buddhist temples, but the building never functioned as such. The Museum is entirely devoted to Buddhist religious art and essential regional artifacts spanning the 7th to 19th century. It is very popular, but many items are not displayed or preserved properly.  Award: $22,000