GRANT WILL BE USED FOR Walking Through History: An America 250 Festival at Smyrna Public Library
SMYRNA, TENNESSEE, 3-19-26, SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY is a recipient of a $25,000.00 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used to organize a community event Walking Through History: An America 250 Festival at Smyrna Public Library, a free, large-scale community heritage event commemorating Tennessee’s America 250 on August 1, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Funding prioritizes high-quality historical and cultural programming, professional presentation infrastructure, and accessible, family-friendly experiences that encourage public engagement with local and national history through public performances, historical reenactments, cultural exhibits, and more. The Town of Smyrna serves as a primary community partner for this project, integrating the festival into the town’s event calendar and providing additional support by allowing Smyrna Public Library to utilize the Old Rock School Park in Smyrna, Tennessee, for this event.
The State of Tennessee made available funding to be administered by the Tennessee State Museum, on behalf of the Commission to support statewide America 250 activities.
The second round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was a highly competitive process. In total, the Commission received 365 applications, totaling $6,364,017 in requests. The Commission has made full or partial awards for 194 grants across the state, representing 73 counties, for a total of $2,267,058 awarded. A complete list of second round Tennessee America 250 grantees, counties and amounts is posted 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.”
“This grant is transformative for Smyrna Public Library, said Cassandra Taylor, Branch Manager of Smyrna Public Library and grant recipient,” and directly advances the Rutherford County Library System’s mission of explore, imagine, and engage. Through the Walking Through History: An America 250 Festival, we are able to bring history to life in a dynamic, accessible way that invites our entire community to connect with the stories that have shaped our nation and our region. The support from the Tennessee America 250 initiative allows us to expand beyond traditional programming and create an immersive, large-scale experience that fosters curiosity, learning, and civic pride for all ages.”
The Tennessee America 250 Project Support Grants and Community Support Grants had maximum request amounts of $20,000 and $25,000, respectively. All projects funded in the second round must be completed by April 30, 2027.
About Smyrna Public Library
Smyrna Public Library, a branch of the Rutherford County Library System, is dedicated to its mission to explore, imagine, and engage by providing inclusive, innovative services to the community. As the second-largest branch within a six -location system serving Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Eagleville—alongside a countywide Bookmobile—Smyrna Public Library plays a vital role in expanding access to knowledge and resources for residents of all ages. The library offers dynamic programming that promotes literacy, STEM education, gardening, early learning skills, and lifelong learning opportunities, creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and community connection.
About Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial
The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial was legislatively established by Public Chapter 384 of the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019. The Assembly created the Commission to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and recognize Tennessee’s integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. For more information on Commission activities, please visit www.tn250.com.
About Tennessee State Museum
Celebrating its 88th Anniversary in 2025, the Tennessee State Museum, is the administrative attachment of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The Museum is located on the corner of Rosa L Parks Blvd. and Jefferson Street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It is home to thousands of years of Tennessee history, art, and culture. The Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on exhibitions and events, please visit TNMuseum.org.