The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $2 million to 59 organizations across Massachusetts to support initiatives and events that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Some of the funded projects through the Massachusetts 250 Grant Program range from immersive historical tours and exhibits to community festivals and educational programming. Many of the initiatives focus on sharing narratives from Indigenous communities, Black and Latino residents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women who shaped Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy.
Of the projects that were awarded, ten of them are located in Gateway Cities and play an important role in the state’s cultural and economic landscape. One of the Gateway City projects includes Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, which was awarded $16,000 for Revolutionary Love Community Theater’s Saving the Revolution, a musical drama and video series that highlights Knox’s 300-mile cannon trek and love letters. Discover Central MA is the other project, which will receive $50,000 for its Central MA250 Revolutionary Firsts Trail campaign, which highlights the region’s Revolutionary history through digital content, trail maps, and event promotion.
What is Massachusetts 250
Massachusetts was one of the original U.S. colonies and has made history by being the state with many “firsts”, such as the first ride of the revolution. Massachusetts 250 recognizes that Massachusetts was not only the first to start to have the first public park but also the first institution of higher learning, Harvard University, and the first to recognize marriage equality. It also commemorates the state’s role in the American Revolution with the Massachusetts 250 campaign, celebrating 250 years of the country’s independence and the state’s revolutionary spirit.
“The enthusiasm for MA250 is visible all across the state, with exciting events and exhibitions happening every day and visitors from across the country and the globe coming to town to take part. With this round of MA250 grants, we’re reinforcing our investments to tell the story of Massachusetts, from our revolutionary roots to the vibrant, inclusive state we are today,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These projects honor our shared history while telling the stories that have been left untold for too long, strengthening local economies and shaping a statewide celebration of our values and our future.”
“This new round of funding will bring people together to celebrate our shared history, especially as we approach Independence Day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These projects help us spark curiosity, invite community and businesses to join in, and build real excitement as we count down to a once-in-a-generation celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary in July 2026.”
“These grants are a catalyst for local economic growth,” said Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba. “By supporting community-driven events and underrepresented stories, the Massachusetts 250 Grant Program will energize small businesses and expanding create new economic opportunities across the state.”
“Massachusetts was the birthplace of the Revolution, and today, we’re helping communities across Massachusetts share the full depth of that story,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “These grants will bring history to life in new and exciting ways as we approach 2026.”
