North Dakota Communities Receive Funding for 250th Anniversary Projects

The ND250 Commission has approved funding for several northeastern North Dakota communities to develop projects that commemorate the **250th anniversary** of the United States. A total of **$94,355** has been allocated to **15 communities** statewide, with reimbursement available for project expenses up to the approved grant amount.

According to **Melissa Klocke-Joyce**, the ND250 coordinator with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the funded initiatives aim to celebrate the nation’s founding and reflect the diverse narratives across the state. These projects will feature storytelling through art, education, performance, oral history, and public programming.

Engaging Community Projects and Opportunities

The **Community Initiatives Grant Program** is designed to support organizations and local governments in creating engaging projects that highlight North Dakota’s significant role in American history. Applications for funding remain open until **April 1, 2024**, and eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, city, county, and tribal governments. Detailed grant guidelines and applications can be found on the official website, **www.ND250.com**. This round of funding represents the last of three opportunities made available by the commission.

One noteworthy recipient is the **Pembina Gorge Foundation**, awarded a **$10,000** grant for a program titled “Frost Fire Invasion.” This outreach initiative will feature a group of five musicians performing patriotic songs at assisted living and care centers throughout the state, with no associated costs for the facilities. Scheduled to run from **June to July**, the program also received a **$5,000** grant from the **Myra Foundation**.

These musician-actors will also participate in performances of the summer theater production “Come From Away,” scheduled for July at the Frost Fire amphitheater in Walhalla, North Dakota. The venue is currently undergoing renovations after sustaining significant damage from heavy snow in April 2023.

A Diverse Array of Recipients

The ND250 Commission received **42 applications**, which were evaluated by a select committee. In addition to the Pembina Gorge Foundation, other grant recipients in northeastern North Dakota include:

– **City of Maddock** – $6,600 for a field trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, plus a professional portrayal of **Theodore Roosevelt** for the city’s **125th anniversary**.
– **Fort Pembina Historical Society** – $1,000 for a lecture and workshop series covering various historical topics.
– **Grand Forks Public Library** – $1,810 to acquire copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. flag etiquette booklets, discussion books, posters, and honorariums for guest scholars.
– **Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa** – $9,000 for a public historical exhibit interpreting treaty-making, land negotiations, federal policy shifts, and cultural traditions that have shaped the Turtle Mountain Band.

These grants are more than financial support; they represent a commitment to sharing North Dakota’s rich history. **Bill Peterson**, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota and chair of the ND250 Commission, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “From murals and musical theater to lectures and living history, these projects help connect people to the past in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and rooted in local pride.”

The ND250 Commission, under the administration of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is spearheading efforts to honor the **250th anniversary** of the United States through various events and projects leading up to **2026**. The initiative aims to celebrate North Dakota’s heritage, democratic values, and the spirit of community through inclusive and inspiring programming.