Michigan history organizations encouraged to apply for grants ahead of USA’s semiquincentennial in 2026

What’s happening: When the calendar flips from 2025 to 2026, the United States will enter its
250th anniversary year. It’s a time to spotlight the signing of the Declaration of Independence in
1776 and all that has followed, an opportunity for history organizations to do what they do best
and share our stories.

The $2 million America250MI History Grant Program is helping Michigan history organizations do just that. And the Michigan Department of Natural Resoures has opened the application window for Round 2 of funding.

What it is: The America250MI History Grant Program is a key component of the state’s planned
celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, funding statewide
history projects that help tell Michigan’s story. Michigan has reserved $2 million for the grant
program, which has been appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is
administered by the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center.

Why it’s important: “Exploring our history can help inform our future,” says Sandra Clark,
director of the Michigan History Center. “What we discover through these projects can guide us
through the next 250 years.”

Looking back: More than 50 local museums and history organizations shared $967,000 in
grants awarded as part of Round 1 earlier this summer, with many of those grant-winning
projects found in Michigan’s more rural communities. That includes the Frontier to Freedom
project by the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution in Allegan County, which
received $50,000 for research and a documentary on the early history of Michigan. A complete
list of winning projects is available online.

What’s next: Round 2 applications opened on Nov. 1 as nonprofit history organizations, local
units of government, and tribal governments seek awards ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. Visit
America250MI online for more information about the application process, which includes a Jan.
15, 2026, deadline.

What they’re saying: “From World War II and Michigan shipwrecks to labor history and
immigration, successful projects from Round 1 covered a variety of impactful topics,” says Larry
J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Round 2 grants
give us the opportunity to expand on more stories that are important to our state.”