Around New England

Massachusetts 250 Grant Program Hopes To Boost Tourism Amid 2025 Celebration

October 8, 2024

Governor Marua Healey’s administration recently announced the grant recipients for the Massachusetts 250 Grant Program.

The program aims to celebrate the state’s role in the American Revolution as the country prepares for its 250th anniversary in 2025.

The program, administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, has allocated a total of $1.5 million to 37 projects across the state. These grants are aimed at highlighting the historic significance of the American Revolution while fostering tourism and local economic development.

The grant amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000, funding initiatives that focus on themes of revolution and independence, commemorate notable “firsts” in Massachusetts history, and promote underrepresented stories, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Recipients included municipalities, public agencies, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations.

Among the notable recipients is the Freedom Trail Foundation, which received $75,000 to enhance its historical tours in Boston. These tours center on key events of the American Revolution, such as Paul Revere’s fabled ride and the Boston Tea Party. The city of Salem also secured $5,000 to fund reenactments of early Revolutionary War events, including Leslie’s Retreat. 

Additionally, National Public Radio affiliate WBUR is receiving $50,000 in taxpayer money from this program for the “250th programming track at the WBUR Festival in May 2025.”

WBUR will sell tickets to the event, meaning it’s not open to the entire public.

Governor Healey offered praise for the grant program.

“By investing in projects that celebrate Massachusetts’s rich history, we’re honoring our past and creating a vibrant future for our state,” Healey said in the press release. “These grants are a tangible example of how we can work together to strengthen our economy, support our communities, and showcase Massachusetts’s storied history as a global leader while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.”

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll expressed a similar sentiment, calling this government funding “essential.”

“The Massachusetts 250 grants will provide essential funding for projects that highlight diverse perspectives and stories, ensuring that everyone feels represented and valued in our revolutionary history,” Driscoll said in the press release. “These grants are a catalyst for creating a more inclusive and welcoming Massachusetts.”

Additionally, the state’s Economic Development secretary, Yvonne Hao, claimed the grants will boost local economies.

“By stimulating tourism and supporting local businesses, these grants will create jobs, generate revenue, and strengthen our communities,” Hao said in the press release. “We are eager to see how these projects will connect with the public and drive visitors to our state to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with us.”

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism executive director Kate Fox said she thinks people will visit Massachusetts to see initiatives that receive money from this grant.

“The Massachusetts 250 grants are fueling a wave of exciting new experiences that will make our state the ultimate playground for history buffs and adventure seekers alike,” Fox said in the press release. “From revolutionary reenactments to hidden gem tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Here is a description of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism from the press release:

 

Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the Commonwealth’s economy growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to VisitMA.com.

 

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