Grand Forks, North Dakota – Several communities across northeastern North Dakota have been awarded funding to support projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The ND250 Commission has announced that a total of $94,355 will be distributed among 15 communities, with reimbursements for approved project expenses available up to the grant amount.
The grants will fund initiatives that celebrate the nation’s founding, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. According to Melissa Klocke-Joyce, the ND250 coordinator with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, these projects aim to reflect the “depth and diversity” of local communities while fostering storytelling through various forms of art, education, and public programming.
Community Initiatives Grant Program Details
The Community Initiatives Grant Program encourages local governments and organizations to create engaging projects that honor North Dakota’s significant role in American history. Applications for funding will remain open until April 1, 2024. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and city, county, or tribal governments. Details on grant guidelines and applications can be found at www.ND250.com. This funding round marks the third and final opportunity for communities to apply.
One notable project, supported by a $10,000 grant, is being spearheaded by the Pembina Gorge Foundation. The initiative, titled “Frost Fire Invasion,” involves a group of five musicians performing patriotic songs in assisted living facilities across the state. Helen Hutton, a member of the foundation, stated that there will be no cost to the care centers. The program is scheduled to run from June to July and has also received a $5,000 grant from the Myra Foundation.
Diverse Projects Across the Region
The musician-actors involved in the “Frost Fire Invasion” will also participate in performances at the Frost Fire Summer Theater’s production of “Come From Away” in July, located in Walhalla, North Dakota. The Frost Fire amphitheater is undergoing significant renovations following damage sustained from heavy snow in April 2023.
Other grant recipients in northeastern North Dakota include:
– City of Maddock: $6,600 for a field trip to the North Dakota Heritage Center and a professional portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt during the city’s 125th anniversary.
– Fort Pembina Historical Society: $1,000 for a lecture and workshop series on historical topics.
– Grand Forks Public Library: $1,810 to procure copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. flag etiquette booklets, discussion materials, and honorariums for guest scholars.
– Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa: $9,000 for a public historical exhibit interpreting treaty-making, land negotiations, and cultural traditions.
In total, the ND250 Commission received 42 applications for this funding round, which were evaluated by a select committee. Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota and chair of the ND250 Commission, emphasized that these grants not only provide funding but also represent an investment in how communities across North Dakota can share their narrative of the American story.
“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,” Peterson stated.
The ND250 Commission is dedicated to leading North Dakota’s efforts in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, with initiatives planned throughout 2026. The commission aims to celebrate the state’s rich history, diverse population, and future potential while honoring its heritage and democratic values.
