Historical Society of Kentucky unveils recipients of America250 state grant awards
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission have announced the awardees of the America250KY Grant Program, a initiative that provides grants of up to $10,000 to museums, libraries, historical organizations, and nonprofits across Kentucky. The program aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by funding public programming, heritage tourism, exhibitions, research, education, collections care, and community events throughout the state.
The key objectives are to connect Kentuckians with their shared history, inspire reflection on how Kentucky has shaped and been shaped by the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice over the past 250 years, and to recognize Kentucky’s contributions to the nation's history during this milestone anniversary. The grants foster statewide engagement, strengthen cultural institutions, and promote educational and heritage initiatives.
Some of the recipients include the Eastern Kentucky University Library in Madison County, which received a grant of $9,824.72, and the Kentucky Museum and Heritage Alliance in Logan County, which received a grant of $10,000. The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America - KY (Liberty Hall) in Franklin County and the Shelby County Historical Society in Shelby County were also among the recipients, each receiving a grant of $4,500 and $4,000 respectively.
One notable project funded by the grants is the Boone County Public Library's creation of an outdoor history walk exhibit. This project aims to promote community pride, intergenerational learning, and historical education by highlighting local people and historic sites, featuring interpretive panels and digital content accessible via QR codes.
Scott Alvey, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, stated that this commemoration is more than a celebration of the past. It's an opportunity to connect with our shared history and inspire reflection on how Kentucky has shaped and been shaped by the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice over the last 250 years.
Other recipients of the America250KY grants include the Scott County Public Library, Red Oaks Forest School, Harlan Tourism, the Kentucky Organization of Professional Archaeologists, the Kentucky Genealogical Society, the Carter County Fiscal Court, the Business Cultivation Foundation, the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, the Crittenden County Clerk's Office, the Hopkinsville History Foundation, the McConnell Center, the Allen County Historical Society, Western Kentucky University, the City of Frankfort, the Mount Washington Historical Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, the Behringer-Crawford Museum, Our Land of Promise Inc., Morehead State University - Camden-Carroll Library, and Black Yarn, Inc.
America250KY is part of the larger America250 national commemoration, which recognizes significant people, places, and events that have shaped U.S. history over 250 years. The Kentucky commission manages the program with an emphasis on Kentucky’s role in American development through educational programs and statewide events.
[References] 1. America250KY Grant Program 2. Kentucky Historical Society 3. Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission 4. America250
- The Boone County Public Library, situated in Boone County, is one of the grant recipients, receiving funds for an outdoor history walk exhibit that promotes community pride, intergenerational learning, and historical education.
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, a nonprofit organization in Kentucky, was also awarded a grant as part of the America250KY initiative, aimed at strengthening educational and heritage initiatives throughout the state.
- Kentuckians in Campbell County can look forward to the Heritage tourism events funded by the America250KY grant, organised by the community's historical society, contributing to a deeper understanding of the state's shared history and the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice.
- The KHS and the Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission's America250KY Grant Program has reached various counties in Kentucky, including Kenton County, home to the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, a recipient of a grant for education and self-development programs.
- The Red Oaks Forest School in Scott County, along with the Kentucky Organization of Professional Archaeologists, Harlan Tourism, and other organizations, were among the grantees of the America250KY initiative, supporting business and economic growth through the fostering of cultural institutions and education programs.
