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Vanderbilt University’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries have received a pair of grants supporting Tennessee America 250 initiatives from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The funding, made available by the state of Tennessee, is administered by the Tennessee State Museum in support of statewide America 250 activities.
Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives was awarded an $18,750 grant for “40 Years of the News in Cartoons: Processing the Collections of Tennessee’s Most Creative Brothers-in-law.” This archival access and description project centers on the cartoon collections of Tom Little and Charles Bissell, two influential Tennesseans whose work appeared in the Nashville Banner and The Tennessean from the 1930s through the 1970s. These collections document nearly five decades of political discourse, civic debate and public opinion in Tennessee and the U.S., directly reflecting core themes such as freedom of expression, democratic participation, and the role of a free press in American life. The grant will support the hiring of five to eight students for processing approximately 15,000 cartoons. The project is directed by Associate Director of Digital Special Collections Zach Johnson.
In addition, the Heard Libraries-produced “Made in Tennessee” podcast was awarded a $5,000 grant. Inspired by the country’s 250th anniversary, a wave of new research by academics and curators will be conducted over the next year at Tennessee’s museums, universities, archives and presses, exposing new stories and history. The “Made in Tennessee” podcast is intended to raise the visibility of this research to a broad audience, drawing on experts in the field to amplify and promote exhibitions, publications and presentations occurring across the state in 2026. Listeners will gain insight into their own history by better understanding how the everyday art and craft objects handed down through their families were made and used. “Made in Tennessee” is recorded in Vanderbilt Central Library’s Studio 608.
“The Heard Libraries are proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding through these uniquely Tennessee projects designed to foster engagement, deepen knowledge discovery, and help preserve our state’s distinctive cultural memory,” Vanderbilt University Librarian Jon Shaw said. “My thanks to the Tennessee Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial and the Tennessee State Museum for their generous support of this important work.”
The latest round of the Tennessee America 250 grant program was a highly competitive process. In total, the commission received 365 applications, totaling more than $6.36 million in requests. The commission has made full or partial awards for nearly 200 grants across the state, representing 73 counties, for a total of more than $2.26 million awarded. A complete list of second-round Tennessee America 250 grantees, counties and amounts is available at TN250.com.
“I am inspired by the excitement across the state to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum and chair of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. “This year will be filled with exhibitions, programs, festivals and preservation of our local and state history. We hope that these projects inspire Tennesseans across the state to engage with the anniversary in 2026.”
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 Vanderbilt University
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is internationally recognized for its transformative education and research. The university’s 10 schools reside on a park-like campus set in the heart of Nashville, providing a collaborative culture that empowers leaders of tomorrow. In addition to offering an immersive residential undergraduate experience, Vanderbilt is deeply committed to expanding the global impact of its innovation and research as it increases opportunities for faculty, students and staff to pursue bold new ideas and discoveries. Learn more at vanderbilt.edu.
About the Tennessee Commission for the U.S. 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 to 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, visit TN250.com.
About the Tennessee State Museum
Celebrating its 89th anniversary in 2026, the Tennessee State Museum is the administrative attachment of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The museum is located at the corner of Rosa L Parks Boulevard 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–Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information on exhibitions and events, visit TNMuseum.org.