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NEWS RELEASE
June 4, 2025
CONTACTS:
Michael Pearlman, Communications Director
Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director
Governor Gordon Announces Initial Round of Awardees for Semiquincentennial Grant Program
Projects will take place in conjunction with the statewide America’s 250th Celebration
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force has announced the initial round of awardees for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program.
The grants program was launched last year and supported with a $2 million appropriation from the Wyoming Legislature to support initiatives that will showcase Wyoming's significant contributions to American history. The projects will take place in conjunction with the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
“As we commemorate the ideals and patriotism that the United States was founded upon, Wyoming’s 250th Celebrations are taking shape to highlight our state’s unique history and heritage,” Governor Gordon said.
Three county steering committees and six non-governmental organizations were awarded grants totaling $90,610. They include:
- Carbon County Journey to 250 - A film project to bring attention to the history and significance of Carbon County.
- Celebrating America 250 in Park County - A variety of events will honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future would be spread between Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse.
- Explore Niobrara, Celebrating America’s 250th- The county will establish an extensive network of QR codes and video recordings to educate both visitors and community members about various locations around Niobrara County. The project includes a partnership with the local high school’s Skills USA Chapter.
- Wyoming Archeology Month Poster and Wyoming Arts Council- The Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office and the Wyoming Arts Council partner up to do an annual poster celebrating Wyoming archeology. The theme will be “Galloping into the Past: Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America in Wyoming”. Artists are asked to present an idea that showcases how horses have influenced Native Americans in Wyoming throughout time. The winning poster will be circulated around the state free of charge accompanied by a brochure on the topic.
- Heritage of the Cowboys- America 250 - The two-day Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through traditional cowboy music and poetry. The event will be an immersive, multi-generational experience celebrating the rich history of cowboys in Wyoming through their traditional songs and poetry.
- Native American Lifeways Film and Exhibit - The Grand Encampment Museum is looking to highlight Native American presence, life, and trade routes through the Encampment River Valley and expand their Native American exhibit through the collection of more artifacts. A film will be created and played to accompany the exhibit.
- Carbon County Museum - The museum will celebrate the accomplishments of one of the many influential women from Wyoming in a new exhibit: Dr. Lillian Heath. Dr. Heath was the first licensed female doctor in the state, performed the autopsy on the outlaw George Parrot and even interacted with Thomas Edison.
- Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue: Wyoming’s Role in a Nationwide Musical Celebration - The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra will participate in the Rhapsody National Initiative, a historic 50-state orchestral movement dedicated to rebuilding America’s musical revolution. The project aims to unite orchestras from around the country and encourage audiences to reflect on American history.
- Laramie County School District Project - The City of Cheyenne and Laramie County America 250 Commission are partnering with Laramie County School District No. 1 and No. 2 to showcase America's revolutionary history through the Declaration of Independence. Contests for various age groups will be created that will challenge students to connect aspects of the Revolutionary War to Wyoming values.
Governor Gordon established the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to develop and coordinate events and activities that honor this significant milestone. More information on the celebration will be made available on the dedicated Semiquincentennial celebration website at https://wyoming250.com.
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