WEATHERSFIELD, Vt. – The Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission, Vermont Arts Council, and Vermont Humanities have announced a second round of funding, injecting an extra $79,025 into 36 community projects across the state. These newly awarded grants support history, arts, and culture initiatives commemorating Vermont’s unique role in the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Combined with grants previously awarded in December 2025, the three organizations have awarded $141,900 to support America 250 projects in Vermont.
Among the newly supported projects are historical society and museum programs on Revolutionary War history in Bennington, Peacham, and Norwich; a music festival in Middlebury; a statewide poetry project with Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone; and a theater production in Weathersfield.
“We applaud the communities behind these 36 projects, which offer a meaningful opportunity to pause and consider how the American story continues to unfold locally,” said Commission Chair Laura V. Trieschmann. “By exploring history through the arts and humanities, they encourage communities to look inward, connect deeply with our shared past, and consider how revolutionary ideals still shape our identity today”
The grants were awarded through the Vermont Humanities Project Grants and Rapid Response Mini-Grants process, with funding provided by the 250th Anniversary Commission, the State of Vermont, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors.
“Connecting to our shared past through the arts and culture is a meaningful way to engage Vermonters in complex conversations connected to this important anniversary. The Vermont Arts Council is delighted to partner with the 250th Anniversary Commission and Vermont Humanities to bring these opportunities to communities across our state,” said Vermont Arts Council Executive Director Susan Evans McClure.
“We are delighted to be supporting projects in all corners of Vermont for thoughtful projects using the humanities to consider the complex stories surrounding American history. We will continue to welcome additional project proposals connected to this milestone national anniversary and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Vermont Republic,” said Vermont Humanities Executive Director Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup.
A limited amount of funding for America 250 projects remains available through Vermont Humanities. Grant applications for projects associated with the 250th anniversary of the Vermont Republic, founded in 1777, are also encouraged.
The next project grant deadline is Sept. 9. For more information, visit www.vermonthumanities.org/grants/for-applicants/project-grants. Rapid Response Mini-Grants are awarded monthly on a rolling basis. More information can be found at www.vermonthumanities.org/grants/rapid-response-grants.
For additional grant opportunities related to the 250th anniversary, visit www.anniversary250.vermont.gov/grant-opportunities.