America at 250

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America at 250 is a yearlong commemoration of the Declaration of Independence and its legacy. This series will observe America’s 250th birthday with events and exhibits for people of all ages, exploring America’s founding document, the rights we have and aspire to, and how generations of Americans have struggled to preserve and expand these rights.

This series is a partnership between the Dole Institute of Politics, the Watkins Museum of History, Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, and the Lawrence Arts Center.

“The Semiquincientennial year, 2026, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, is a milestone opportunity not just to reflect on our nation’s founding principles, aspirations, and lessons of history, but also to envision how these shape the future we create together,” said Dole Institute director Audrey Coleman. “We are excited to engage the campus and the general public with special programming to mark the occasion, along with annual program favorites.”

Check this landing page throughout the year for updates about exhibits and events hosted by all partners.

Events

Every Saturday: Find the Bison at the Watkins!

January 29: Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture

February 11: What Does it Mean to Be United?

February 27: Revolutionary War in the West: Online Talk with Eric Sterner

March 10: The Age of the Borderlands: Talk with Andrew C. Isenberg

March 25: Liberty in a Pluralistic Society

April 8: A Republic, If You Can Keep It

April 13: 2026 Dole Lecture Featuring Rick Atkinson

April 17: Screening of Harriet

April 29: The Pursuit of Happiness: Is America Still the Land of Opportunity?

May 1: Undergraduate History Essay Contest

May 16: Bleeding Kansas Bus Tours

June 25: Lyda Conley and the Fight to Preserve Huron Indian Cemetery

June 27: Declaration Conversation

July 10: babisyakatek “it is beaded”

August 20-23: American Revolution AND Civil War on the Border

August 20: The Revolution’s Last Men: Online Talk with Don N. Hagist

August 22: Quantrill’s Raid Memorial Service and Historical Talk: Revolutionary People of Oak Hill Cemetery

August 22: Weapons of the Civil War: Featuring Artifacts from the Watkins Collection

August 23: How the Civil War Was a Revolution: Online Talk with Andre M. Fleche

Exhibits

Dole Institute of Politics:

America at 250 Special Exhibits

Watkins Museum of History:

Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad

Finding Freedom: The Promise of 1776 in Douglas County, Kansas

The Underground Railroad in Our Community

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