America 250 Alabama Awards $625,000 to 250 Alabama Municipalities and County Commissions

June 10, 2026

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission has awarded 250 Community Grants of up to $2,500 to 215 Alabama municipalities and 35 county commissions to support locally driven commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Local governments were encouraged to develop projects in partnership with schools, museums, libraries, historic sites, and other nonprofit cultural and community organizations. Community grants were awarded to all 67 of Alabama’s counties.

An additional $50,000 in grants was awarded to 50 nonprofit organizations, including local chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, museums, and historical sites that regularly interpret the founding of our nation.

Natalie Steed, Executive Officer for the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Committee said, “These grants reflect our commitment to ensuring that America’s 250th anniversary is commemorated in every corner of Alabama.  From municipal projects and community events to museum exhibits and educational programs, we’re supporting initiatives that not only celebrate our nation’s history but also help citizens better understand the people, places, and ideals that shaped it.  Together, these local efforts will build toward a truly statewide commemoration.”

A few examples of local celebrations include the following:

• The Town of Bon Air in Talladega County will host a public community celebration recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event will include a community cleanup, patriotic flag ceremony honoring veterans, youth essay and art contest, and a local history display with a community time capsule. This project promotes civic pride, education, and community unity.

• The Lauderdale County Commission is using its $2,500 grant to amplify their 6th Annual Shoals Songwriter Showcase, featuring music, songs, and hymns from before, during, and after the American Revolution. The showcase will include 18 artists performing over 6 days.

• The City of Prattville’s America 250 Alabama celebration is a two-week series of free, inclusive community events held June 20-July 4. Activities include the Independence Day Parade, Lions Club BBQ, Patriotic Concert featuring the Prattville Pops Band, Community Chorus, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a fireworks show. To further celebrate America 250, they will host a Cruise-In Car Show, a farmers’ market, and a July 3 concert and drone show.

• The City of Thomasville will host a colonial village and living history event titled Thomas Village to not only show what colonial life in Thomasville might have been like, but to enrich the public’s understanding of America’s founding principles and its history through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and reenactments.

• The City of Homewood is hosting a series of ten educational lectures presented by Niki Sepsas at the Homewood Public Library. The lecture series focuses on significant moments and themes in American history and civic life, and is intended to provide engaging, educational programming for the community.

• The Stephens Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plans a formal dedication of their Liberty Tree in Priceville, accompanied by an interpretive plaque to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence and enduring legacy of Revolutionary War patriots. Stephens Chapter, NSDAR, will seek to create a lasting, living tribute that invites reflection, education, and community pride. The Liberty Tree holds deep historical significance, recalling the gathering places of patriots.

• The City of Moody has planned a Firework extravaganza for the community. The city will have a ceremony to recognize the veterans added to their Veteran Memorial Wall and Veteran Banner program. The veteran banners will be throughout the park and along the Veteran Memorial Wall. There will be family activities to promote patriotism, Alabama history and pride in America.

• The City of Foley will host a self-guided historical scavenger experience at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. The free, family-friendly event will invite residents and visitors to explore 250 years of American history while enjoying Foley’s premier outdoor space.

The centerpiece of Alabama’s statewide semiquincentennial celebration will be held at the American Village, a unique venue in Montevallo, the geographic center of Alabama.

Sweet Home 250: Where Freedom Feels Like Home is a two-day music, arts & food festival happening on July 3-4, 2026. Sweet Home 250 will honor Alabama’s rich musical heritage by featuring artists from across the state, while celebrating our history, visual arts, and culinary traditions.

Sweet Home 250 runs July 3 and July 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm each day. Doors open at 11:00 am with programming starting at 11:30 am. Last admission is at 8:30 pm each day. More information about Sweet Home 250 may be found at www.sweethome250.com11:00 am to 10:30 pm each day. Doors open at 11:00 am with programming starting at 11:30 am. Last admission is at 8:30 pm each day. More information about Sweet Home 250 may be found at www.sweethome250.com