Avery, surrounding counties receive America 250 funding

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative has dispersed nearly $900,000 in grant funds across 34 counties in the state. The grant-funded 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.

The America 250 NC Grants are designed to spark programs and activities on a local level to create a memorable and meaningful commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

In Western North Carolina, counties receiving grants include Avery, McDowell and Mitchell counties. The Avery County Historical Society received $23,480.80 for the Avery County 250 History project and Avery County received $10,000 for its Wayside project. McDowell County was awarded $7,140.00 for Davidson’s Fort Historic Park, Keeping History Alive project and $10,000 for a McDowell County America 250 Committee Coordinator. Mitchell County received $10,000 for the Walk Through Mitchell County’s History project.

Grant applications for the 2025-2026 fiscal year will open in August to disperse more than a $1 million in remaining funds awarded by the North Carolina legislature for the America 250 NC grant program. Guidance for grant application techniques is posted at www.america250.nc.gov/grants. Counties that did not apply in this round are encouraged to apply in the upcoming cycle for funds to assist with commemorative activities.

America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.