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Imagining the Next 250
Imagine the Next 250
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the Declaration of Independence.
We invite you to join us.
On this page, you will find resources to support the planning and implementation of 250th programming. We hope that through the tools of the humanities – curiosity, reflection, dialogue, critical thinking, storytelling – Pennsylvanians deepen their connection to and understanding of this history, their community and each other by creating spaces of inclusion and belonging to imagine what the future of our nation could be.
Planning & Reflection Workshops
In summer 2024, we collaborated with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to recruit 16 libraries and community partners to help us think through programming possibilities. These participants acted as advisors – helping us better understand how people related to the Declaration of Independence and what opportunities and challenges existed for public institutions in engaging the public in programming and discussions.
WORKSHOPS
May 1, 2024
The 250th: Opportunities and Questions
June 13, 2024
The 250th: Exploring Our Relationship to History w/ The Museum of the American Revolution
August 13, 2024
The 250th: Engaging Your Community
Many of the ideas and activities we developed with this planning group can be found in our Program Planning and Discussion Guide, which is downloadable for anyone interested in pursuing 250th programming.
Sign up to learn more about upcoming 250th happenings and to get involved.
Program Planning and Discussion Guide
Community Conversation Prompts
Our program planning and discussion guide contains some questions to spark dialogue.
Click on the theme or concept below to reveal prompts to begin the conversation!
Democracy
Democracy
What do you think of when you hear the word democracy? How would you define it?
What are the defining characteristics of a true democracy? Where do they show up in our society?
Freedom
Freedom
What does freedom mean to you? How does freedom show up in your life and community?
What is the relationship between freedom and individual responsibility?
Opportunity
Opportunity
What is your hope for the next 250 years for our state? What would it take for us to get there?
If you were to write your own Declaration today, what would it include?
Resources
America 250
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country.
America 250 PA
America250PA was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.
Philadelphia 250
PHILADELPHIA250 is an independent nonprofit organization formed to create a people-driven movement so that 2026 is a collective, inclusive moment for the City of Philadelphia, the country and the world.
Youth 250 (Made By Us)
Youth250 is a dynamic, nonpartisan initiative to capture young people's imaginations, ideas and input as the United States turns 250 years old in 2026.
American Association for State and Local History
AASLH has developed a 250th Program Handbook and gathered resources for organizations interested in 250th programming.
Imagining the Next 250
Click on the pins below to view our pilot planning partners. Want to share your event?
Email programs@pahumanities.org to add your site to the map!
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