The following was published by the Herald-Citizen and can be found by clicking here.
Putnam County is the recipient of a $25,000 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used to interpret Putnam County’s unique history within the context of American history. Planned activities include the creation of a self-guided historic driving tour, the dissemination of printed educational materials, a scholarly speaker series, and field trips for Putnam County students. The title of the project is Celebrate America 250 in Putnam County.
The State of Tennessee made available funding to be administered by the Tennessee State Museum, on behalf of the Commission, to support statewide America 250 activities. The second round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was a highly competitive process. In total, the Commission received 365 applications, totaling $6,364,017 in requests. The Commission has made full or partial awards for 194 grants across the state, representing 73 counties, for a total of $2,267,058 awarded. A complete list of second-round Tennessee America 250 grantees, counties, and amounts is posted at tn250.com.
“I am inspired by the excitement across the state to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ashley Howell, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum and Chair of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. “This year will be filled with exhibitions, programs, festivals, and preservation of our local and state history. We hope that these projects inspire Tennesseans across the state to engage with the anniversary in 2026.”
UCDD Public Historian Mark Dudney authored the application.
“We were thrilled to secure this competitive grant,” Dudney said. “Celebrate America 250 in Putnam County will benefit local students and citizens of all ages. Working with our partners, our mission is to bring Putnam County history to life for America’s 250th birthday.”
The Tennessee America 250 Project Support Grants and Community Support Grants had maximum request amounts of $20,000 and $25,000, respectively. All projects funded in the second round must be completed by April 30, 2027.
