Pentwater Historical Society receives funding for immigration exhibit
A variety of opportunities to expand and upgrade artifact storage and digitization capabilities, are just some of the ways that nearly $1 million in America250MI grants will be used to help preserve and promote Michigan’s stories for future generations.
The Michigan History Center and Historical Society of Michigan recenlty announced 50-plus communities and organizations that will share these Round 1 funds in the America250MI History Grant Program.
Created from funding appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state legislature, the America250MI History Grant Program is boosting projects that will help preserve Michigan’s stories for future generations. The program represents a key element of Michigan’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“This funding will empower these communities to elevate and share their local stories, which is vital to the understanding and preservation of our state’s rich history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, which shares management of the America250MI Committee with the Historical Society of Michigan.
Round 1 awardees
Funded projects are in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Chippewa, Clinton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Among these are the Pentwater Historical Society which was awarded $5,000 to fund its "Journeys to Pentwater – Immigration Exhibit."
The America250MI program received nearly 100 proposals, seeking more than $2.2 million in funds, during the 45-day grant application period. Applications came from all regions of the state.
“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan. “Local organizations are essential to preserving and promoting Michigan history, and we are proud to support their efforts in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."
The committee requested that all grant applications incorporate the program's "5 Guiding Themes" (Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People and Doing History). Successful applications showcased a commitment to partnerships, exhibited lasting community impact and provided new opportunities to invest in Michigan's historical organizations.
Round 2 details
The second round of applications will open Nov. 1, 2025, and close Jan. 15, 2026.
To stay up to date about Round 2, visit the America250MI website, www.america250mi.org.
