Original Release
April 15, 2024
Vermont 250th Community Planning Grants Awarded to Support Activities for America’s Semiquincentennial
Montpelier, Vt. – The Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission and the Vermont Historical Society are pleased to announce the first recipients of the Vermont 250th Community Planning Grants. Funding for the grants was provided by Vermont Covered and the Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation, formerly known as the Sunshine Lady Humanitarian Grants Program.*
“The Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission (VT250th), created by Governor Phil Scott, is working to create opportunities for Vermonters to commemorate the Semiquincentennial,” said Laura V. Trieschmann, chair of VT250th. “This anniversary offers an occasion to learn more about the individuals and events that played a role in the country’s founding, and an opportunity to reflect on what independence, freedom, and self-determination mean today and in the future.”
The first round of $1,000 grants was available to select communities around the state to help support activities in planning and preparation for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th) in 2026. Eight grants were awarded in this first round of funding from community art projects to local history publications to educational programs and historical signage. Grant recipients are:
- Fairfield Historical Society, Fairfield
- Jamaica Historical Foundation, Jamaica
- Morgan Historical Society, Morgan
- Town of Pomfret, Vermont 250th Anniversary Committee, Pomfret
- Tunbridge Historical Society, Tunbridge
- Whiting Library, Chester
- Woodstock History Center, Woodstock
- Worcester, Vermont Historical Society, Worcester
Future rounds of grants will be open to all Vermont communities to support the planning of 250th programs through 2027. The deadlines for applications are May 15 and July 15 (depending on available funding).
Through collaborative local and statewide initiatives that explore an inclusive history of the American Revolution, VT250th Community Planning Grants will support and encourage the preparation, planning, and execution of programs and events that examine a formative period of our nation and how it continues to shape our culture and values.
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About Vermont Covered*
Vermont Covered, one of the programs of the Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation, helps Vermonters achieve cost effective mobile and fixed wireless broadband to bridge the gap between rural internet availability and internet affordability. Broadband and wireless connectivity is essential for public safety, rural equity, education, job opportunities, economic development, health care, and agriculture. All Vermonters should have the connection to participate fully and have the opportunities offered in our increasingly digital world. Vermont Covered works with communities throughout Vermont to advocate for and create access to broadband and wireless broadband.
About the Vermont Historical Society
Founded in 1838, the Vermont Historical Society serves to engage both Vermonters and “Vermonters at heart” in the exploration of our state's rich heritage. Our purpose is to reach a broad audience through our outstanding collections, statewide outreach, and dynamic programming. We believe that an understanding of the past changes lives and builds better communities.
About the Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America. To observe these events, Vermont is joining others to encourage remembrance of our past, celebrate the present and look forward to a promising future. Vermont’s 250th Anniversary Commission will inspire all Vermonters to learn from the history, legacy, and context of the past to build strong Vermont communities for the future.
*Updates to this release were made April 22, 2024 to better explain the relationship between Vermont Covered, The Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation, and the Sunshine Lade Humanitarian Grants Program.