Lighting the Legacy: Tennessee 250
CITY OF WINCHESTER AWARDED A TENNESSEE AMERICA 250 GRANT FROM THE TENNESSEE COMMISSION FOR THE UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
GRANT WILL BE USED FOR LIGHTING THE LEGACY: TENNESSEE 250, JULY 4TH, 2026
WINCHESTER CITY PARK
The City of Winchester 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 Lighting the Legacy: Tennessee 250, a Fourth of July heritage celebration commemorating 250 years of Tennessee and Franklin County history. The event honors the region's enduring legacy-from its early frontier roots to its role in shaping the state and nation- while inviting residents and visitors to experience history in a meaningful, family-friendly setting.
Daytime programming highlights Tennessee's cultural heritage through historical interpretation, educational exhibits, local traditions, and community storytelling. As evening approaches, the celebration culminates in a patriotic firework display symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the continuation of Tennessee's story for future generations. Designed as a signature heritage tourism event, Lighting the Legacy strengthens community pride, attracts regional visitors, and supports economic activity while preserving and promoting the historical significance of Franklin County and the State of Tennessee.
By combining daytime heritage activities with an evening fireworks ceremony, the project attracts multigenerational audiences, encourages repeat visitation, and fosters shared civic pride, advancing Tennessee’s America 250 goals of public awareness, education, and community connection.
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.”
Yvonne Stewart, City of Winchester Project Manager, said the City was very grateful for the opportunity provided by the Tennessee State Museum to showcase the community's history and bring the entire family together for a day of celebration.
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 the 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.