The exterior of St. Ambrose Parish in Henshaw is seen in this undated photo. The parish recently received an America250KY Sub-Grant Award from the Kentucky Heritage Council, supporting the preservation of historic sites across the Commonwealth in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. COURTESY OF ST. AMBROSE PARISH
St. Ambrose Church awarded preservation grant ahead of America’s 250th anniversary
Henshaw, Ky. — St. Ambrose Parish has received an America250KY Sub-Grant Award from the Kentucky Heritage Council, supporting the preservation of historic sites across the Commonwealth in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
St. Ambrose was selected for its significance to Kentucky’s diverse heritage and will receive $16,995.65 to support the new subfloor replacement, floor joist and leveling of the sanctuary floor and new hard wood floors will be installed.
“This grant is a critical step in safeguarding our community’s history. With support from the Kentucky Heritage Council and the America250KY initiative, we are ensuring that St Ambrose will stand as a testament to the rich spiritual and cultural history of Kentucky’s story for generations to come. St. Ambrose is honored to receive the American 250KY grant to help preserve this historic building”, said Carol Martin who submitted the grant application.
The project was chosen as one of just nine inaugural awardees from across Kentucky. The America250KY grant program is part of a larger initiative administered by the Kentucky Historical Society to commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial by investing in historic preservation.
St. Ambrose was built in 1832 and this historic parish has long been a gathering place for generations of faithful, shaping the community through devotion, tradition, and service. From its early days serving pioneer families to its role in nurturing the values of faith, family, and hard work, St. Ambrose weaves a story that reflects the enduring spirt of Kentucky.
“America’s 250th birthday is an opportunity to reflect on our shared past,” said Craig Potts, Executive Director of the Kentucky Heritage Council. “These projects reflect the resilience and legacy of our communities, and it is incredibly rewarding to help safeguard these historic places that are fundamental to telling the history of the commonwealth and America.”
The next round of America250KY grant funding will open July 1, 2025. For more information, visit https://heritage.ky.gov or https://history.ky.gov/america250ky.
The Kentucky Sestercentennial Commission, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society, was established to plan and implement events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For more information on America250KY and the America250KY grant program and eligibility criteria, visit history.ky.gov/america250ky.
