The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced a call for artists to create statues for President Trump’s National Garden of American Heroes, in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The project aims to feature life-size statues of 250 influential individuals from American history who have made significant contributions to culture, science, economics, and politics.

The diverse list of American heroes to be honored includes notable figures such as Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, Sally Ride, Sacagawea, Amelia Earhart, Babe Ruth, and Kobe Bryant, among others. The total cost for the garden is estimated at $34 million, with $30 million allocated specifically for the statues. Each artist may receive up to $600,000 in grants, with a limit of three statues per applicant.

While the exact location for the garden is yet to be determined, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has offered land in the Black Hills as a potential site. This initiative is part of President Trump’s broader efforts to revamp cultural institutions, including recent actions such as taking control of the Kennedy Center and issuing executive orders aimed at various organizations like the Smithsonian Institution.

Overall, the National Garden of American Heroes project seeks to commemorate and celebrate the diverse contributions of key figures in American history, reflecting a mix of presidents, scientists, artists, athletes, and cultural icons who have left a lasting impact on the nation’s heritage.