Grant will support historical walking trail at Heritage Park!

ATHENS, TN – [3/31/2026] – The City of Athens is a recipient of a $9,990 grant for Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The grant award will support the development of Footsteps Through History: America 250 at Heritage Park, a historical walking trail designed to highlight the interconnected history of the United States, Tennessee, and the City of Athens.

The project will feature a series of permanent interpretive signs installed along a designated walking path at Heritage Park. Each sign will represent a period of history, beginning in 1776 and continuing through 2026, and will include information about national, state, and local leadership as well as key historical events. The trail is intended to provide an engaging, educational experience for residents and visitors while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Heritage Park, originally dedicated on July 4, 1976, is currently undergoing significant renovations, including the addition of a new ADA-accessible walking trail that will serve as the foundation for this project. The completion of the walking trail and installation of interpretive signage will coincide with both the 50th anniversary of the park and the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

The City of Athens will provide additional money in conjunction to the grant to complete the full project as planned, ensuring that the vision for the historical walking trail is fully realized.

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 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 available at www.tn250.com.

“This project represents a unique opportunity to connect our community with the broader story of our nation, state, and local heritage,” said Simon Rhodes, Communications Coordinator for the City. “We are proud to be part of Tennessee’s America 250 initiative and look forward to creating a space where residents and visitors can reflect on the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our history.”

This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.

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.

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 City of Athens

The City of Athens, Tennessee, is dedicated to preserving its rich history while fostering a vibrant and connected community. Through continued investment in public spaces, cultural resources, and community initiatives, the city provides opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with its heritage and future.

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.