The City of Henderson, Tennessee is a 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 for the Chester County America 250 Celebration to be held on June 27,2026 at the Chester County Courthouse Square. The Chester County America 250 Celebration will be a community-wide event honoring 250 years of American history and heritage. The celebration will feature a patriotic parade, live music performed by local entertainers, and a festive atmosphere filled with food vendors, historical exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays, enjoy hometown hospitality, and reflect on Chester County’s contributions to Tennessee and the nation. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display, bringing the community together in a meaningful and memorable celebration of America’s past, present, and future.
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 www.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.”
“Receiving support through the Tennessee America 250 grant is vital to bringing this celebration to life. It allows us to create an event that not only honors our nation’s history, but also highlights Chester County’s unique role in that story. This funding ensures that our entire community can come together for a meaningful, educational, and memorable experience.” - Blake Hopper, Executive Director-Henderson| Chester County Chamber of Commerce
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.
About Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial
The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial was legislatively established by Public Chapter 384 of the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019. The Assembly created the Commission to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and recognize Tennessee’s integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. For more information on Commission activities, please visit www.tn250.com.
About Tennessee State Museum
Celebrating its 88th Anniversary in 2025, the Tennessee State Museum, is the administrative attachment of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The Museum is located on the corner of Rosa L Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is home to thousands of years of Tennessee history, art, and culture. The Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on exhibitions and events, please visit TNMuseum.org.
