The Ned R. McWherter Cultural Arts Center awarded a Tennessee America 250 Grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial
Jackson, Tenn. – The Ned R. McWherter West TN Cultural Arts Center is a recipient of a $24,947 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will be used to support a fully staged production of 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical, presented by The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center in celebration of America 250. The project will be developed in collaboration with local civic and cultural partners, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Reel Collective of Jackson, and local performers and artists, helping bring the story of the nation’s founding to life while showcasing the diverse creative talent of the Jackson community.
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.”
“We are deeply grateful for this grant and what it means for The Ned as Jackson’s cultural arts center,” said David McCall, Executive Director of the Ned. “Support like this allows us to strengthen existing relationships while building new and deeper connections throughout the Jackson community. This production not only tells the story of our nation’s founding but also reflects the rich diversity of the Jackson community today, and we’re excited to begin the work of bringing it to life.”
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 The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center
Located in historic downtown Jackson, The Ned serves as Jackson, Tennessee’s premiere performance space. The Ned’s mission is to provide high-quality performances, entertainment, exhibitions, and educational opportunities for the community. In all that we do, we strive for excellence, seek to reflect the diversity of our community, and act with integrity. For more information visit thened.jacksontn.gov.
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.