Communities across northeastern North Dakota have been awarded funding to support projects celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The ND250 Commission announced that 15 communities will share a total of $94,355 to finance initiatives aimed at commemorating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The funding will reimburse eligible expenses for various community-driven projects. According to Melissa Klocke-Joyce, the ND250 coordinator with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, these projects aim to reflect the state’s diverse history through art, education, performances, and public programming.
Grant Program Encourages Local Engagement
The initiatives are part of the Community Initiatives Grant Program, which promotes projects honoring North Dakota’s role in American history. The ND250 Commission continues to accept applications until April 1, 2024, inviting nonprofit organizations and local governments to submit proposals. This round of funding is the final opportunity for communities to seek financial support, as it concludes the program’s three phases.
One notable recipient is the Pembina Gorge Foundation, which has been granted $10,000 for an outreach program titled “Frost Fire Invasion.” This initiative will see a group of five musicians perform patriotic songs in assisted living and care centers across the state at no cost to the facilities. The program will run from June to July and has received additional support from the Myra Foundation with a grant of $5,000.
The musicians will also participate in performances of the summer theater production, “Come From Away,” at the Frost Fire amphitheater, which is undergoing renovations following significant damage from heavy snowfall in April 2023. According to Helen Hutton, a member of the Pembina Gorge Foundation, these performances not only celebrate American history but also foster community engagement and togetherness at care centers.
Additional Recipients and Their Projects
Other recipients of the recent grants include the following:
– **City of Maddock**: Awarded $6,600 for a field trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center and a professional portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt in honor of the city’s 125th anniversary.
– **Fort Pembina Historical Society**: Received $1,000 for a series of historical lectures and workshops.
– **Grand Forks Public Library**: Granted $1,810 to purchase educational materials, including copies of the Declaration of Independence and resources on U.S. flag etiquette.
– **Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa**: Awarded $9,000 for a public exhibit interpreting the historical context of treaty-making and cultural traditions.
A total of 42 applications were submitted for this funding round, which were evaluated by a select committee. As stated by Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota and chair of the ND250 Commission, these grants represent an investment in how communities share their narratives within the broader American story.
He emphasized that projects ranging from murals and musical theater to educational lectures help create meaningful connections to the past, rooted in local pride. The ND250 Commission, which operates under the auspices of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is committed to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States through 2026.
The commission’s mission is to celebrate North Dakota’s rich history and cultural diversity while honoring democratic values and the spirit of community. As communities prepare for this significant milestone, the funded projects promise to engage residents and visitors alike, ensuring that the state’s contributions to the nation’s history are both recognized and celebrated.
