A recent grant from a federal source is a stamp of approval for the Bangor Historical Society, according to a society spokesman.

The federal Institute of Museum Services awarded $12,000 to the BHS, and its museum at the Thomas Hill House in Bangor. That amount is equal to 10 percent of the society’s budget.

“The grant is not given on the basis of what we have, but on the basis of what we’re trying to do,” said Ed Hooper, a member of the society’s board of directors.

The BHS museum is one of 432 museums that will receive General Operating Support grants this year, chosen from a field of 1,390 museums. Grant recipients include museums with only one staff person to those with more than 2,000; and budgets that range from less from $12,000 to more than $70 million. Amount awards are equal to 10 percent of the museum’s operating budget to a maximum of $75,000.

In announcing the awards, Susannah Simpson Kent, director of IMS, said, “Through their unique responsibility to collect and care for cultural material, museums provide educational opportunities unmatched in any other venue. They are our nation’s parallel schools, providing outstanding educational services outside the formal school system. These grant recipients have demonstrated excellence in all areas of museum operations. I know that they will do wonderful work with these awards.”

Hooper said that the grant will be used for “much-needed” building maintenance on Hill House, particularly its exterior. Remaining funds will be used to hire people to assist the museum’s current professional staff, Executive Director Diane Vatne and Curator Abby Ewing Zelz.

The grant will also free up funds to expand the society’s existing programs, Hooper said, in such ways as preparing exhibits, bringing in speakers for monthly programs, and educational tours.

The society has applied for grants in the past, but this grant marks its first major success.

“This is the first time the historical society has made a determined effort to receive a grant of this nature,” Hooper said. “This effort is going to be duplicated in other areas where financial grants are available.”

Hooper said this award is an honor for the museum’s staff and volunteer workers.

“What it says is that BHS and its museum has been recognized by its peers, and by the leadership of the historical community, as worthy of encouragement and support,” Hooper said. “The people of Bangor should be proud and supportive of their museum.”