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Columbus, Starkville and West Point are preparing to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a variety of celebrations, programs and grants for local schools, churches and civic groups. From firework shows and newly installed historical markers to traveling exhibits and talks from historians, residents have multiple ways they can participate in the year-long celebration.
So what exactly is America250? What events can we expect to happen locally? What grants are there available for America250, and what can those funds be used for? How else can residents get involved?
What is America250?
America250 is a national celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mississippi created a state commission to oversee local planning and participation in the semiquincentennial.
“The commemoration of the birth of the United States in 1776 is an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s rich history,” said Nancy Carpenter, Mississippi’s America250 development director.
“Mississippi’s story is an American story … from the (American) Revolution to emancipation, Reconstruction … Civil Rights Movements and beyond.”
Carpenter said the program also highlights Mississippi’s contribution to arts, music, literature, sports and military service.
“We want people to know the importance of Native American culture, our musical icons, writers like Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty and William Faulkner …,” she said.
What local events can residents expect?
Golden Triangle communities are planning a variety of events. Carpenter said local events will vary by community.
“Some will be celebratory in music, some in athletic events and others will focus on historical markers,” she said. “All events will be free and open to the public. Many cities have ongoing planning… they’re all still in the process of still adding events and applying for grants. … As for Columbus, not only are we celebrating our 250th birthday (as a country) but we’re tying this into the 150th anniversary of the Tennessee Williams home.”
One of the region’s major celebrations will take place at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville this spring, coinciding with a Mississippi State University baseball game. Carpenter said the event will feature music, patriotic programming and likely fireworks.
Libraries will also play a central role in local America250 programming. The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System is partnering with Mississippi University for Women and the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science to offer events, programs and exhibits throughout 2026.
“This includes informative talks from professors, exhibits that you can come to the main branch of the library to see to learn more about voting and what it takes to fight for equal rights,” said Melissa Duncan-Thomas, community engagement coordinator for CLPLS.
Other library programming will include presentations on historic colonial clothing and tea service and viewings of The American Revolution at various locations.
Other local events residents can anticipate include:
■ The traveling exhibit Freedom: A History of the U.S. at the downtown branch of CLPLS, Jan. 5-30;
■ A lecture by historian Susannah J. Ural on at 5:30 p.m. today, titled “Abraham Lincoln and America250”;
■ Celebrations in partnership with Main Street organizations in Columbus, Starkville and West Point and at Columbus Air Force Base; and
■ Community programs and performances by local choirs, school bands and civic organizations.
The dates for many of these events haven’t been announced yet, but will be soon, Carpenter said.
“We have a very full year planned with a lot of programming in the works,” she said. “I encourage everyone to follow the America250 Mississippi social media pages to keep up with those important dates as we announce them.”
Events are planned throughout the year Carpenter added.
“A lot of people think when we hit July 4, 2026, everything’s over, but it will go through Dec. 31,” she said.
What grants are there for America250? What can those funds be used for?
Communities can apply for grants through the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission. According to the America 250 Mississippi website, the grants are “an opportunity to connect your special event, historical exhibit or other relevant initiative to the broader America250 observance.”
For the Mississippi Humanities Council there are three main tiers available:
■ Small Town Grant: Up to $5,000 for local, grassroots projects. Applications for this grant are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted;
■ Program Grant: Up to $10,000 for local celebrations and public programs. The application deadlines are Jan. 15 and March 15; and
■ Legacy Grant: Up to $20,000 for large-scale projects. The application deadline is Feb. 1.
The Mississippi Arts Commission is offering America250 public art grants in each of the state’s five regions, including The Hills region, which covers the Golden Triangle. Two grants will be awarded locally: one $12,000 grant for a larger organization and one $8,000 grant for a smaller organization. Schools, libraries, museums and other eligible organizations can apply. Applications close Jan. 15.
Full details and application materials for both the Mississippi Humanity Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission grants are available through the america250.ms/grants/ website.
Carpenter said the grants are open to schools, civic groups, museums, libraries and other local organizations. Projects can include historical programs, public art, educational field trips and other activities that celebrate Mississisippi’s contribution to American history.
“We encourage organizations to contact Carol Andersen at the Mississippi Humanities Council first to make sure their idea fits the criteria,” she said. “This saves time and ensures their project will qualify.”
How else can residents get involved?
Residents can attend local America250 events, participate in school or community programs, or add their own events to the state’s online calendar.
“We have organized the programs to celebrate America250 in a way that is accessible to anyone who wants to learn more about what America has been up to the past 250 years,” Duncan-Thomas said.
Residents interested in learning more about local or family history can also participate through the library.
“Our Local History Department at The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System is robust, with a staff that is always ready to assist in helping you learn more about your own local history,” she said.
Carpenter encourages residents to experience exhibits, lectures and performances.
“(We) want this to be a program that brings people together… attending the events, hearing patriotic music… it will be something that can bring us unity.”
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
