Cheatham County Historical and Genealogical Association awarded $30k for Tennessee America 250
This article was written by Geneva Clifton, the project director for CCHGA
Grants will be used for community support and archival protection
The Cheatham County Historical and Genealogical Association (CCHGA) is a recipient of a $24,257 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used for a community driven history project commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, Tennessee’s 230th, and Cheatham County’s 170th.
The State of Tennessee made available $6,435,000 to the Tennessee State Museum to administer on behalf of the Commission, with the majority of funding to be regranted to Tennessee communities to support statewide America 250 activities.
The first round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was a highly competitive process. In total, the Commission received 220 applications, totaling $3,995,982 in requests. The Commission has made full or partial awards for 80 grants across the state, representing 37 counties, for a total of $1,566,325 awarded. A complete list of first round Tennessee America 250 grantees, counties and amounts is posted at www.tn250.com. A second round of grants will open for application in mid-November.
“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. “Next 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.”
“This project will involve members of the community who will highlight how national events shaped local lives in Cheatham County” CCHGA Project Director, Geneva Clifton explains. “We will have exhibits, public lectures, interviews of local residents and a community celebration.”
CCHGA is also a recipient of a $4,500 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used for "Preserving Cheatham County: Archival Protection Project."
“This grant will help us to protect Cheatham County’s history by having the appropriate materials to protect documents, books, textiles, photos and videos for years to come," Clifton explained. "Cheatham County residents can be assured that their donations of family artifacts will be cared for so that they will last for generations. From acid free boxes and files to dehumidifiers for cabinets we will be ordering materials that will protect the museum collection. We are so thankful to the Tennessee State Museum and the state legislature for making these funds available to small county museums."
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 first round must be completed by April 30, 2027.
