America’s 250th Anniversary

America’s 250th Anniversary

On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years of independence. American Spaces can help audiences explore this historic milestone through programs, discussions, digital experiences, and educational resources that illuminate the people, ideas, and events that have shaped the United States.

Explore the resources below to plan engaging activities for audiences of all ages.

Discover resources for commemorating America’s founding, independence, and constitutional democracy. The Freedom 250 collection includes digital exhibits, lesson plans, program toolkits, eBooks and audiobooks, virtual reality experiences, and resources from U.S. cultural institutions.

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Meet more than 200 Americans whose achievements and examples helped shape the nation. Browse the collection alphabetically or by strategic focus area, access related program toolkits, and find books, audiobooks, and magazines through the American Heroes eLibraryUSA collection.

[Explore American Heroes →]

Additional Program Toolkits

  • 4th of July

    Focuses on July 4th Independence Day celebrations, commemorating the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence with parades, fireworks, and games. 

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  • Alaska: The Last Frontier

    Explores Alaska’s history from Russian purchase in 1867 to statehood in 1959, its indigenous cultures, and natural beauty.

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  • American Revolution

    Creates awareness of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), colonists’ fight for freedom from Britain, and the Revolution’s influence on global democracy. 

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  • American Southwest

    Highlights unique aspects of the Southwest region including geography, Native American heritage, Spanish missions, and Route 66.

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  • Benjamin Franklin

    Introduces Founding Father and inventor Benjamin Franklin, and his contributions to American science, government, and diplomacy. 

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  • Black History Month

    Recognizes February observance honoring African American achievements in U.S. history, culture, science, sports, music, and civil rights. 

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  • Educating Through Comics

    Explores comic books as educational tools, examining their history, current expressions, and role in teaching English.

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  • First Amendment Rights: Freedom of Religion

    Explains First Amendment religious freedom protections, U.S. laws like the International Religious Freedom Act, and January 16 National Religious Freedom Day. 

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  • First Amendment Rights: Freedom of Speech and the Press

    Explains First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and press, the importance of a free press, and their role in democracy. 

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