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Plan a Bicentennial Event

As we prepare for Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary, the Bicentennial Commission is inviting nonprofit organizations to connect with this one-time-only milestone. Incorporate the Bicentennial into your 2023 event or program to become a part of the year-long celebration! 

As incentive, we are offering micro-grants of up to $500 to organizations that apply to participate on or before August 1, 2022. (See below.) 

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Find everything you need to know in our Application Toolkit. 

Ready to apply? Click the button to get started!

Quick links to start your event planning
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Your Bicentennial Event

What types of events and programs are we looking for? Besides a foundation of history, your program must align with at least one of five themes:

 

  1. Art

  2. Diversity/Inclusion

  3. Education

  4. Historic Preservation

  5. Parks/Environment

 

In practice, this means that we want you to use your creativity to bring history to life. It also means that we encourage you to use programming you already conduct (such as run/walks, fairs, outreach programs, reunions, etc) and add some history in - or vice versa! Visit our Research page for a concise collection of history resources, theme ideas and inspiration for your event.

Bicentennial Event Micro-Grant Program

In order to receive up to $500 to put toward planning your event, you must apply on or before August 1, 2022. Results will then be announced by the end of October 2022. Funds will be distributed at the beginning of 2023, unless you demonstrate need in your application for earlier dispersal. 

 

In your application, you must be able to demonstrate the following:

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  • Theme your project fits and why

  • History behind your project and where you got your information

  • When and where you want to have the event/program

  • Name of a project lead, who will be in charge of reporting grants funds and following up with the Bicentennial

  • Information on how you will spend the money if the Bicentennial awards a micro-grant to you 

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Participation Benefits

All of the projects, exhibits and events that become part of the Hamilton County Bicentennial will receive valuable benefits, including the following:

 

  • The official “Celebration Kit” with physical and digital items to help you promote your event

  • Free advertising through Bicentennial channels (with help from Hamilton County Tourism and other official organizations)

  • A spot on our official web calendar and in the official Bicentennial Program publication, available throughout 2023

  • Guidance and help with promotion ideas and volunteers to help with your event

  • Research assistance to guarantee that the history around your program is accurate and will help educate the public

  • PLUS, the guarantee that your event will represent the Hamilton County Bicentennial themes and be recorded for posterity!

Highlight Months for Each Township

When should your program take place? We are highlighting different townships throughout 2023. This doesn’t mean you have to only do programming in your month, but we will prioritize events that happen during those times. 

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  • March: White River Township

  • April: Jackson Township

  • May: Adams Township

  • June: Washington Township

  • July: Noblesville Township

  • August: Wayne Township

  • September: Fall Creek Township

  • October: Delaware Township

  • November: Clay Township

Next Steps!

Get the official Hamilton County Bicentennial Application Toolkit. 

Once you're ready, use this simple form to apply to be part of the Bicentennial! 

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