Friday, July 4, 2025 is the United States’ 249th anniversary, and extensive plans are already in the works across the country for the 250th anniversary.
Two Monroe County historical organizations and a third group near the county all received state grants to preserve part of the country’s 250 years of history. Another Monroe County organization is creating a book of Revolutionary War soldiers to mark the upcoming occasion.
The Genealogical Society of Monroe County received $3,640 to digitize World War II-era newspapers. Berlin Charter Township Historical Society received $3,250 to create a two-sided historical marker, and nearby Brownstown Historical Society received $2,500 to make Brownstown Bicentennial interpretive digital signs.
The three organizations were among 50 in the state to share nearly $1 million in funding from the America250MI History Grant Program. Grants ranged from $2,500 to up to $50,000. In all,100 applied for grants.
In 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center to coordinate a state program for the national anniversary.
“The America250MI History Grant Program is boosting projects that will help preserve Michigan’s stories for future generations. The program represents a key element of Michigan’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” said the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in a news release.
Round two of America250MI History Grant Program grants opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15.
Here’s a look at the local projects.
Genealogical Society of Monroe County
The Genealogical Society of Monroe County has already digitized a number of local newspapers. Search the digitized papers here. With its America250MI History Grant Program grant, the society will digitalize 14 more rolls of local newspapers.
“They are World War II era Monroe County newspapers, currently on microfilm,” said Duane “Rick” Grassley, treasurer of the society. “The grant aims to preserve and provide access to valuable historical resources that were previously only available in print or microfilm format. The resulting digital files will then be stored in an on-line repository, where they can be accessed and searched by genealogists, historians, researchers, students and the general public. There is no fee required to access these images.”
Berlin Charter Township Historical Society
With its America250MI History Grant Program grant, Berlin Charter Township Historical Society will commission and install a two-sided historical marker on the grounds of South Rockwood United Methodist Church. A public unveiling and dedication ceremony is planned for the spring.
“We’re very excited about this,” said Stephanie Hawkins, president of the society.
“The double-sided marker will commemorate two significant local histories: the 140-year legacy of South Rockwood Evangelical Church (now United Methodist Church) and the life of the Honorable John Strong Jr.,” Hawkins said.
Strong was Berlin Township’s first supervisor after leading efforts to form the township from Ash Township in 1867, Hawkins said. He later becoming Michigan’s lieutenant governor in 1892.
“Strong donated land and funding for the church construction and built numerous businesses in Berlin Township, including stave mills, lumber mills, a general store and opera house,” Hawkins said.
In 2020, the historical society installed its first historical marker, a Prohibition-era marker near Swan Creek. The new marker will be the fifth for the township.
Daughters of the American Revolution
While Monroe’s Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution didn’t receive an America250MI History Grant Program grant, its members also are already planning to celebrate the country’s anniversary. Members are creating an America 250 Patriot Book.
“To be a member of the DAR, you have to prove your soldier served in the Revolutionary War. Most of the patriots were privates. We currently have 29 members, so each member will get a page,” said Deborah Comer from the Nancy DeGraff Toll chapter.
Members will share what they have learned about their soldier and, if possible, photos of gravestones. The book, which will be sold locally, also will have information about the local DAR chapter.
“We started it in the spring. The goal is (to be done) in December,” Comer said “We are also having a tea in December in remembrance of the Boston Tea Party.”
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Michigan and Monroe County preparing for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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