Historical Society of Kentucky reveals recipients of America250 state grants
News Article: America250KY Grant Program Supports Kentucky's Historical Organizations
The America250KY Grant Program, aimed at commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, has announced its awardees. This initiative supports museums, libraries, historical organizations, and nonprofits across Kentucky with grants of up to $10,000.
The program's objectives are to strengthen public programming, boost heritage tourism, foster statewide engagement, and honor America’s and Kentucky's shared history. Projects supported by these grants include exhibitions, research, educational initiatives, collections care, and community events.
Some of the organizations that received grants include Western Kentucky University in Warren County, which received a grant of $10,000, and the Campbell County Public Library in Campbell County, which received a grant of $7,980.12. The Kentucky Genealogical Society in Fayette County, the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance in Logan County, and the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Kenton County also received grants of $10,000 each.
Other recipients include Harlan Tourism in Harlan County, the Allen County Historical Society in Allen County, the Mount Washington Historical Society in Bullitt County, Black Yarn, Inc. in Fayette County, and the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Fayette County, each receiving grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission are administering the program, coordinating activities to explore Kentucky’s role in America’s development. The grants aim to connect Kentuckians to their shared history and inspire reflection on the state's role in the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice over the last 250 years.
For artists, a related facet of the program offers grants specifically supporting individual creators engaged in public art projects and artistic works commemorating the 250th anniversary. These grants are around $5,000.
The program aims not only to celebrate historical events but also to leave a lasting legacy of public education, community pride, and statewide reflection on Kentucky’s contributions to the nation’s history. Applications for the second round of grants are typically open for specific periods, with recent deadlines in August 2025 for projects scheduled through 2026. Projects often culminate in public dedications around the 4th of July, 2026, reinforcing the connection to the national celebration.
Scott Alvey, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, stated that these grant projects will help communities across Kentucky tell their stories and ensure Kentucky's contributions are recognized during the national milestone.
[[1]] Kentucky Historical Society, "America250KY Grant Program," accessed September 7, 2022, https://kyhistory.org/programs/america250ky-grant-program
[[2]] Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, "America250KY Grant Program," accessed September 7, 2022, https://ky250.org/america250ky-grant-program/
[[3]] Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, "America250KY Grant Program: Funded Projects," accessed September 7, 2022, https://ky250.org/america250ky-grant-program-funded-projects/
[[4]] Kentucky Historical Society, "America250KY Grant Program: Round Two," accessed September 7, 2022, https://kyhistory.org/programs/america250ky-grant-program-round-two/
[[5]] Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, "Artist Grants," accessed September 7, 2022, https://ky250.org/artist-grants/
- The Campbell County Public Library in Campbell County was among the organizations that received grants from the America250KY Grant Program.
- The Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance in Logan County, the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Kenton County, and the Kentucky Genealogical Society in Fayette County each received grants of $10,000 from the America250KY Grant Program.
- Harlan Tourism in Harlan County, the Allen County Historical Society in Allen County, the Mount Washington Historical Society in Bullitt County, Black Yarn, Inc. in Fayette County, and the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Fayette County each received grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 from the America250KY Grant Program.
- The America250KY Grant Program aims to connect Kentuckians to their shared history and inspire reflection on the state's role in the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice over the last 250 years.
- The America250KY Grant Program also offers grants specifically supporting individual creators engaged in public art projects and artistic works commemorating the 250th anniversary, with grants around $5,000 available.
