The City of Crossville has received a $20,000 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (Tennessee America 250) to paint a mural commemorating the Cumberland Homesteads. The funding, administered by the Tennessee State Museum on behalf of the Commission, supports statewide initiatives to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The second round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was highly competitive, with the Commission receiving 365 applications requesting a total of $6,364,017. Ultimately, 194 grants were awarded (full or partial) across 73 counties, totaling $2,267,058. A complete list of grantees, counties, and award amounts is available at www.tn250.com.

“I am inspired by the excitement across the state to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ashley Howell, Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum and Chair of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. “This year will be filled with exhibitions, programs, festivals, and preservation of our local and state history. We hope that these projects inspire Tennesseans across the state to engage with the anniversary in 2026.”

The Project Support Grants and Community Support Grants had maximum request amounts of $20,000 and $25,000, respectively. All projects funded in this round must be completed by April 30, 2027.

The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019 (Public Chapter 384) to plan and coordinate the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting Tennessee’s role in the nation’s history. The Tennessee State Museum, which is celebrating its 88th anniversary in 2025, serves as the administrative home for the Commission. Located at the corner of Rosa L. Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, the museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.tn250.com or TNMuseum.org.