Include
Telling our Nation's Story
Commemorating the Declaration’s ratification should be undertaken in an inclusive manner that branches beyond the traditional focus on Boston and Philadelphia. The semi-quincentennial should include “all stories, all people, and all places.” We should think beyond city centers, engage communities in their local contexts, and even include opportunities for transatlantic collaboration.
Key Features
All parts of the country have played a role in shaping America over its 250-year history and have made the nation what it is today. The following are common features that can make 250th programming more inclusive across all geographies.
- Partnerships: Federal, state, local, and international collaborations are needed to ensure that the 250th programming is reflective of different parts of the country. These partnerships include the sharing of funding support, curriculums, guiding ideas, and other resources.
- Honoring Local Context: 250th programs should commemorate local histories and their unique contributions to the country. Partners in the media can help to connect these local histories to the larger national story, and broadcast them to a broader audience.
Examples
Each of America’s 50 states have their own unique 250-year history and relationship to the year 1776. States like Utah are using the 250th as an opportunity to not only commemorate the country’s founding but to reflect on their state’s history and contributions to the nation. Utah’s State 250th Commission has developed programming that is connected to the national commemorative efforts while remaining true to Utah’s particular context. The Commission’s “Walk 250 Utah” program, for example, invites Utahns to walk 250 miles of the groundbreaking paths created by native Utahns, pioneers, and other historical figures. The Commission has also partnered with over 250 municipalities, counties, and Tribal nations across the state to create local opportunities and events to celebrate local histories in 2026. Learn more about Utah’s 250th program and the other 50 State Commissions creating inclusive and local 250th opportunities here.
The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia has collaborated with international partners to present a major special exhibition for America’s 250th anniversary. The Declaration’s Journey exhibit will showcase the global forces that shaped the Declaration of Independence and its subsequent global impact on over 100 nations. The exhibition will gather together in one place some of the most important documents and artifacts from around the world, showcasing the meaning of the Declaration and its ongoing legacy. The exhibit will be accompanied by free public programming and education resources to make the exhibit available on a national scale. Learn more here.
IMLS and PBS Books have partnered to produce a digital series, “Visions of America: All Stories, All People, All Places.” This series of videos and virtual conversations will present local community stories to a national audience, illuminating the lesser-known stories that make up America. Learn more about the series here.
Learn more about our recommendations for telling our nation's story.