A Partnership of Virginia Tech and Virginia Association of Museums
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the Bikecentennial, which brought thousands of cyclists through Virginia across 500+ miles from Yorktown, VA to Breaks Interstate State Park in Breaks, VA. PEDAL Bike 76 Va is a community engagement initiative to fund Public Exhibitions, Displays, Art, and Logos by community organizations, historical societies, art museums, tribal museums, units of local government, and regional agencies along or near the route. These exhibits should call attention to regional and local features consistent with community-based placemaking, convey a welcoming message to cyclists, visitors, and residents. Funded projects must thematically connect to the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Maximum Funding Allocation: $1500
Exhibits should be located in publicly accessible spaces visible to cyclists and the general public. Outdoor exhibits could be murals on buildings, history markers on public property, free standing exhibits in parks, or structures such as benches or shelters. Indoor exhibits should be located in spaces generally open to the public, including libraries, museums, municipal buildings, or community centers.
Each exhibit should address the following three elements:
1) Connections to regional and local facets of the community, which might include prominent natural features, historical events or people, or notable buildings, bridges, or other durable structures
2) A welcome to cyclists and the general public, which might include text, illustrations, or symbols connected to the US Bicycle Route 76 through the community
3) Themes related to the upcoming semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026, including but not limited to rights of citizens, freedom, equality, justice, and civic engagement
Proposals will be reviewed monthly, with the next deadline set for December 4, 2025, until funds are expended, so organizations are encouraged to submit for the December cycle. Notifications are expected within three weeks. The results of the review will be posted on the website indicating how many exhibits may still be funded. Subsequent rounds of grant funding are subject to available funding. Proposals must be submitted by a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or unit of local government. Before submitting a proposal, please confirm permission to place the proposed exhibit in the desired location. Please note that permission for exhibit design and site work must be submitted as required documentation. Project completion must be by Spring 2026. A final grant report will be required.
Proposals must be submitted using the form linked here and below:
https://form.jotform.com/252686310822052
Questions may be directed to Tom Ewing (etewing@vt.edu) or Casey Jenkins (cjenkins@vamuseums.org). Questions about Virginia Association of Museums members may be directed to membership@vamuseums.org.
Larger maps (link, Virginia Department of Transportation link)
