RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has announced 34 counties are recipients of just under $900,000 in grants aimed at commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) said in a release that the grant projects include “new cultural events, physical and digital exhibits, historical markers, and more all inspired by North Carolina’s revolutionary history and the themes of America 250 NC.”
“These America 250 grants will serve as catalysts for local participation in the nationwide commemoration of our nation’s founding,” said DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson. “We look forward to working with communities across the state to build a memorable and meaningful celebration for all North Carolinians.”
According to the grant tracking map on the America 250 NC website, the grants were issued for Alamance, Avery, Bertie, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Camden, Chatham, Chowan, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Gates, Guilford, Halifax, Haywood, Hertford, Hoke, Johnston, Jones, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Onslow, Orange, Pasquotank, Pender, Pitt, Rockingham, Wake and Watauga counties.
The America 250 community and county grants awarded span several projects to celebrate America 250 in the state.
Grant applications for the 2025-26 fiscal year will open in August. Guidance for counties to participate in future grant applications can be found at america250.nc.gov/grants.
For more information on America 250 and events across the state visit america250.nc.gov.
CAPTION: Members of Catawba County’s Newton-Conover High School Band participate in American Bicentennial parade in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 1976. North Carolina is planning for the United States’ 250th anniversary in two years with the America 250 initiative. (AP Photo)
