America’s Turning 250, And You’re Invited

Let's get excited!! The country is having a birthday and it’s a BIG one. This year is America's 250th birthday, and it going to be an incredible celebration! This isn’t some distant future celebration to plan for in a few years. It’s happening NOW. The commemoration is already underway and builds to July 4, 2026. How awesome is that!! This year is going to be incredible! And as an American historian, I have a ton of my own excitement. I love getting to see communities come together to celebrate such a big milestone. I wasn't around to see the bicentennial, and I am in a position this year to enjoy all the American excitement of 250 years. This is going to rock!

The semiquincentennial is the 250th anniversary of American independence, 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence to be exact. America 250 is the celebration of American freedom and the story that has been built in the last 250 years. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to lead the nationwide commemoration, and America250 is the nonprofit supporting organization, with a goal of engaging all 350 million Americans by the 250th. This celebration is a nonpartisan effort, with former Presidents Bush and Obama, and former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama serving as honorary co-chairs.This celebration is not just one day in Philadelphia; it is a multi-year, nationwide celebration culminating on July 4, 2026. There are several key national initiatives to get excited about! “Our American Story” is a space to share the personal stories that make up the American narrative. “America’s Field Trip” allows students to describe what America means to them with a chance to win a visit to an American landmark. “America Gives” and “Giving 4th” are about trying to make July 4th the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history. America’s Block Party is a series of community celebrations across the entire country!

I couldn't be more excited that Ohio is all in! The America 250-Ohio Commission has been working since 2022 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate this year's commemoration with special emphasis on the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future. All 88 counties are participating! This isn’t something that is just happening in Columbus or Cleveland of Cincinnati. Ohio’s signature programs are already happening! Trails & Tales include 6 curated driving trails across the state that highlight historic landmarks and Ohio spirit. Ohio Goes to the Movies is celebrating over 250 movie events throughout the state that showcase Ohioans! Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic will be community picnics across the state, including a signature picnic July 4 in downtown Columbus. The Revolutionary War Graves Project is an initiative that will be published on July 4th documenting all the known locations of graves of Revolutionary War veterans. Additionally, there are Monthly Themes that highlight different aspects of Ohio’s story throughout the year. As an Ohioan and a museum professional, I am so excited that my state is going all out for this exciting year!

Now, I'd like to address the elephant in the celebration. A lot of small museums think this commemoration isn’t “for them” because they are not a Revolutionary War museum. But, I would like to say oh yes it is! This is an opportunity for every museum and historic organization to get involved with their community to show off their connection to the larger American story. The America 250-Ohio Commission’s own language proves it: they’re telling the story of Ohio “from the Native Americans who were here before Europeans to people who call Ohio home today.” That’s not just a Revolutionary War frame. That’s a frame that says “YOUR story matters.” Every community in Ohio has a story that connects to the larger American story: Native American history and the tribes with Ohio ties, immigration and community-building stories, labor history, industry, the Rust Belt, civil rights, women’s suffrage, aviation pioneers, inventors, artists, musicians. Ohio has contributed SO much to the story of America! And small museums hold the evidence of those stories. These museums ARE part of this. A big part.

I am beyond excited to see Americans getting excited to celebrate America's history this year. With a Master's degree in American history, I love seeing people excited about what I am passionate about. My family, like each family that calls America home, has its own unique stories that get woven into the beautiful tapestry of American history. I've had the opportunity to work at many different historic sites that share many different aspect of this nation's past. I love the small stories that make up the big story. This is a moment where the whole country turns toward history and says “tell me!” And small museums get to answer. It's got all the energy of a national birthday party, and there’s nothing else like it.

The party is happening soon! And you have a seat at the table! It’s not about being in Philadelphia or Boston, it’s about being a part of the American story in your own town. If you are getting the opportunity to travel to some of the incredible place this year, that's awesome! But this celebration is going to be awesome all across the country. It's going to be amazing and we get to be part of it!

Not sure how your museum fits into America 250? Let’s figure it out together. Feel free to reach out to set up your consultation.