{"id":21601,"date":"2024-09-18T15:11:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T19:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/?p=21601"},"modified":"2024-09-18T15:12:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T19:12:01","slug":"healey-driscoll-administration-announces-massachusetts-250-initiative-to-celebrate-the-anniversary-of-americas-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northcentralmass.com\/es\/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-massachusetts-250-initiative-to-celebrate-the-anniversary-of-americas-independence\/","title":{"rendered":"Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Massachusetts 250 Initiative to Celebrate the Anniversary of America\u2019s Independence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statewide Initiative will Commemorate Massachusetts\u2019 Pivotal Role in America\u2019s Founding; Launch Included Announcement of $1.5 Million in Grants for Revolutionary War Cultural Programming<\/em><\/p>\n

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state officials, legislators, and representatives from the Massachusetts arts, culture, and tourism industry at the State House to launch Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America\u2019s independence and Massachusetts\u2019 revolutionary legacy. The initiative will highlight the state\u2019s rich history and amplify untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s event included a grand display with reenactors, dignitaries, and historic militia personnel joining the celebration on the steps of the State House. During the event, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll also announced $1.5 million in grants to 37 organizations through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support the development of projects that promote Massachusetts\u2019 Revolutionary War history.<\/p>\n

\u201cMassachusetts is where the Revolution began and where the Revolution continues. We are first in freedom, first in education, first in health care and first in innovation. And with Massachusetts 250, we\u2019re leading commemorations of the Revolutionary War for the next two years,\u201d said Governor Maura Healey. \u201cMassachusetts 250 is a statewide, ongoing celebration of our history and everything that makes our state special. We\u2019re excited to launch this campaign which will draw visitors, drive local economies, and share the whole story of Massachusetts and our nation through the voices of every community.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMassachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Massachusetts\u2019 history and showcase the state as a top destination for visitors from across the country and worldwide,\u201d said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. \u201cStatewide partnerships and events will commemorate our revolutionary spirit, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of Massachusetts in revolutionary history and the many other firsts that originated here, creating a powerful celebration of our civic pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, administered by MOTT within the Executive Office of Economic Development, will fund projects that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant “firsts” in Massachusetts history, and take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating the state\u2019s past 250 years.\u202fA full list of grant recipients is available online.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Semiquincentennial is a tremendous economic opportunity for Massachusetts businesses and cultural institutions that will offer world-class experiences to visitors eager to participate in these historic occasions,\u201d said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. \u201cWe’re excited to see the creative campaign drive economic activity within our local and regional economies and thrilled to see grant recipients showcase the iconic stories of Massachusetts\u2019 revolutionary past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis campaign captures the significance of Massachusetts as a force for innovation, a cultural cornerstone, and a foundation of our nation,\u201d said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. \u201cMassachusetts 250 is an incredible opportunity to elevate the contributions and assets of our state, allowing visitors to experience how Massachusetts has played a pivotal role in America\u2019s independence while engaging with all of our natural beauty and historical and cultural institutions. We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate this national milestone here in Massachusetts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Massachusetts 250 creative campaign will collaborate with municipalities, community groups, businesses, and local organizations to commemorate the state\u2019s revolutionary history over the next two years. Statewide partnerships and programs will engage locals and visitors in experiences that narrate iconic historical moments like the Shot Heard Around the World, Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere\u2019s Ride. Library programs, Revolutionary Weekends, and signature events will highlight the untold stories of Native Americans, women, and people of color who played crucial roles in shaping America and Massachusetts. The creative campaign, spearheaded by the Boston-based creative marketing firm Proverb, will include billboards in Times Square in New York City and other out-of-state markets, as well as digital and social media ads.<\/p>\n

“Massachusetts 250 builds on the work that has been done by the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and historic organizations throughout the Commonwealth to launch Massachusetts forward as we highlight our contributions to the founding of the United States over the next two years,\u201d said Senator Paul Mark, Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. \u201cThe grants being awarded today will help support the collaborative efforts that will ensure that Massachusetts successfully showcases our amazing history and attractions while also demonstrating our leadership and potential for the future.”<\/p>\n

“This Massachusetts250 campaign will help to highlight Massachusetts’ pivotal role as the birthplace of the American Revolution and showcase the Commonwealth\u2019s legacy of courage, independence and leadership,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Co-Chair of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. \u201cThis campaign has an opportunity to highlight how Massachusetts continues to embrace revolution, change and our commitment to create a more equitable and just commonwealth and country. I\u2019m looking forward to the cross-commonwealth celebration and eager to learn the untold stories of those whose struggles and resilience continue to shape and strengthen our commonwealth and nation.”<\/p>\n

Massachusetts 250 Grant Awardees:<\/h3>\n