America 250 grant awards to support community celebrations

Published on May 21, 2026

Tompkins County is pleased to announce the recipients of local America 250 grant funding to support community events, historical programming, and countywide promotion efforts commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Funding

The funding is part of a $15,000 grant awarded to Tompkins County through New York State’s America 250 initiative, which supports local efforts to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. New York State’s commemoration seeks to highlight not only the role New Yorkers played during the Revolutionary War, but also the continuing work over the last 250 years to advance the ideals reflected in the nation’s founding principles.

Stakeholder involvement

The county legislature approved the funding allocations following recommendations from a stakeholder group convened by County Administration. The group included representatives from the Tompkins County Historian’s Office, the Tompkins County Tourism Program, The History Center, Visit Ithaca, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the Community Arts Partnership, Tompkins County Public Library, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins County Veterans Services.

“The America 250 commemoration provides an opportunity for communities across Tompkins County to reflect on the nation’s shared history while celebrating the people, cultures, and stories that continue to shape our community today,” said Tompkins County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. “These projects represent a wide range of perspectives and experiences and will help ensure residents throughout the county can participate in meaningful local celebrations.”

The stakeholder group reviewed applications submitted through the county’s Tourism Grant Program, considered a proposal from the Tompkins County Historical Commission, and discussed the importance of ensuring all events and activities are promoted through a centralized platform accessible to residents and visitors.

Funded projects

Funding was awarded for the following projects:

Rural community celebrations

Three rural community celebrations received $3,990 in funding, in addition to Tourism Grant Program funds. The recipients and event organizers are the Freeville Fire Department, the Lansing Historical Association (in collaboration with the Town of Lansing and the Lansing Events Committee), and the Brooktondale Community Center (in collaboration with the Town of Caroline Historian and the Caroline History Association).

White Pine of Peace project

The Tompkins County Historical Commission received $3,010 for the “White Pine of Peace” project, which will include the planting of an Eastern White Pine tree in Stewart Park in Ithaca in autumn 2026. The project will also include an interpretive plaque and an honorarium for the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ People to participate in the dedication ceremony. The Tompkins County Historian will administer and distribute funding for the project.

Countywide promotion and tourism outreach

Visit Ithaca received $8,000 to coordinate and promote America 250 activities across Tompkins County. The initiative will include creating a dedicated America 250 website landing page, expanding event promotion through social media and local media outreach, and producing video assets to highlight celebrations and heritage tourism opportunities throughout the county.

Submit your community events

As the official tourism promotion agency for Tompkins County, Visit Ithaca will launch its dedicated America 250 webpage visitithaca.com/america250 on June 1, 2026. Community organizations, municipalities, nonprofits, businesses, and event organizers are encouraged to submit public events to be included in the centralized calendar. Select America 250 as event category.

Visit Ithaca partners directly with I Love NY to promote eligible local events and activities on the statewide America 250 and Path Through History platforms.

Additional details about America 250 activities and promotional opportunities in Tompkins County will be announced throughout 2026.