(KMZA)--A $45,000 grant is gifted to the Original Pony Express Home Station, in Marysville.

That word comes in an email to MSC New from Administrator Jan DeGroot, who says the funds were provided by the National Park Foundation.

The money will be used to strengthen the roof support system of the historic barn.

According to a news release, announcement by the National Park Foundation of the award is made in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the National Trails and National Wild and Scenic Rivers system.

The release says the funds for the Barn Roof Stabilization Project will include additional support for re-pointing the mortar in the old stone walls and improving parking for the museum due to what the release calls “an increasing number of visitors in recent years.”

Museum Board President Charles Weickert in the release says that due to the grant, restoration efforts that have long been needed can now be addressed, allowing for the preservation of the integrity of the structure “that was an important part of America's past.” Weickert notes that “seismic activity is an increasing problem in Kansas and makes it even more important to keep [the] barn secure for the future.”

The project is one of 20 across the country being funded by the National Park Foundation.