DNR News: $1 million for Michigan history projects

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Recreation

 
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Historic images laid out on top of a historic map.June 12, 2025
Contact: Shelby Laupp (MHC), 517-930-8493

America250MI Committee awards nearly $1 million for Michigan history projects

Preserving maritime history along the St. Clair River. Creating new physical and online exhibits showcasing milestones in Lansing’s labor history. Expanding youth-led historical reenactment programs and educational displays in Genesee County about Black Michiganders who fought for freedom and equality during the American Civil War. Launching a mobile Democracy Café in Grand Rapids. Commissioning a bronze statue to commemorate the Keweenaw Copper Mining Strike legacy of Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenc.

These, along with a variety of opportunities to expand and upgrade artifacts storage and digitization capabilities, are just some of the ways that nearly $1 million in America250MI grants will be used to help preserve and promote Michigan’s stories for future generations.

The Michigan History Center and Historical Society of Michigan today announced 50-plus communities and organizations that will share these Round 1 funds in the America250MI History Grant Program.

“Michigan’s story is defined by generations of hardworking people who knew how to get stuff done,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “As we gear up to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, let’s uplift their stories and make sure that they are passed on to future generations. The America250MI projects will remind us all of the fundamental values that define what it means to be an American and a Michigander – that you work hard and take care of your community.”

Blue circle logo for America250MI with a large outline of Michigan in the middle and 1776 and 2026 on either side.Created from funding appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state Legislature, the America250MI History Grant Program is boosting projects that will help preserve Michigan’s stories for future generations. The program represents a key element of Michigan’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“This funding will empower these communities to elevate and share their local stories, which is vital to the understanding and preservation of our state’s rich history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, which shares management of the America250MI Committee with the Historical Society of Michigan.

Round 1 awardees

Funded projects are in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Chippewa, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

See the full list of Round 1 award recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions.

The America250MI program received nearly 100 proposals, seeking more than $2.2 million in funds, during the 45-day grant application period. Applications came from all regions of the state.

“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Local organizations are essential to preserving and promoting Michigan history, and we are proud to support their efforts in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”

The committee requested that all grant applications incorporate the program’s 5 Guiding Themes (Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People and Doing History). Successful applications showcased a commitment to partnerships, exhibited lasting community impact and provided new opportunities to invest in Michigan’s historical organizations.

Round 2 details

The second round of applications will open Nov. 1, 2025, and close Jan. 15, 2026.

To stay up to date about Round 2, visit the America250MI website.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

 
In 2020, Gov. Whitmer directed the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center to coordinate the state’s commemoration of the anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history and the impact that these, and other historical events, have had on the people of Michigan. The two organizations created the America250MI Committee to aid and advise this effort.

Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan’s oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities and support for local history organizations. The society is a member-supported educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives no state-appropriated funding.

The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories through museums, historic sites, Michigan Historical Markers, heritage trails, archaeology and programming. The center, a part of the Department of Natural Resources, manages 11 museums statewide, museum and archaeology artifact collections and various educational programs.