Preserving maritime history along the St. Clair River, creating new physical and online exhibits showcasing milestones in Lansing’s labor history, launching a mobile Democracy Café in Grand Rapids, these, along with a variety of opportunities to expand and upgrade artifacts storage and digitization capabilities, are just some of the ways that nearly $1 million in America250MI grants will be used to help preserve and promote Michigan’s stories for future generations.
The Michigan History Center and Historical Society of Michigan recently announced 50-plus communities and organizations that will share these Round 1 funds in the America250MI History Grant Program.
“Michigan’s story is defined by generations of hardworking people who knew how to get stuff done,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “As we gear up to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, let’s uplift their stories and make sure that they are passed on to future generations. The America250MI projects will remind us all of the fundamental values that define what it means to be an American and a Michigander – that you work hard and take care of your community.”
Created from funding appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state Legislature, the America250MI History Grant Program is boosting projects that will help preserve Michigan’s stories for future generations. The program represents a key element of Michigan’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“This funding will empower these communities to elevate and share their local stories, which is vital to the understanding and preservation of our state’s rich history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, which shares management of the America250MI Committee with the Historical Society of Michigan.
Round 1 awardees include funded projects in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Chippewa, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
The America250MI program received nearly 100 proposals, seeking more than $2.2 million in funds, during the 45-day grant application period. Applications came from all regions of the state.
“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Local organizations are essential to preserving and promoting Michigan history, and we are proud to support their efforts in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”
The committee requested that all grant applications incorporate the program’s 5 Guiding Themes (Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People and Doing History). Successful applications showcased a commitment to partnerships, exhibited lasting community impact and provided new opportunities to invest in Michigan’s historical organizations.
The second round of applications will open November 1 and close Jan.uary15, 2026.
To stay up to date about Round 2, visit the America250MI website.
