“We in our time must make certain that the genius of the Constitution and of our government shall not perish, that it shall belong to the young and to those who come after us...”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Feb. 5, 1954
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, first adopted in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Known as America 250, this historic milestone honors the nation’s founding principles of liberty and self-government while also reflecting on how those ideals have evolved over two and a half centuries. Through exhibitions, public programs, and community initiatives across the country, the semiquincentennial will serve as both a celebration of American history and an invitation to consider the nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect Union.
Celebrate in Abilene, Kansas!
"The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene."
Homecoming Speech, Abilene, Kansas, 6/22/45
Public Programs
View our calendar
- Monthly Lunch & Learn Series
- Ike's Book Club
- Naturalization Ceremonies
Exhibits
- Ike's Work
Museum Special Gallery
Summer 2026 Opening - Opening the Vault
Museum Special Gallery
June 2 - July 5, 2026
Celebrate in Kansas!
"I come from the very heart of America."
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower, Guildhall Speech, London, 6/12/45
How to celebrate America 250 all year long in Kansas
Visit the Kansas 250 website and discover new ways to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in Kansas! As the nation approaches its upcoming Semiquincentennial in 2026, the Kansas 250 Commission will lead the state's efforts in commemorating this eventful moment in American history. The Kansas 250 Commission will also collaborate with local communities and partner organizations to provide a wide array of activities and events focused on America's 250th birthday. From legendary storytelling and educational seminars to community celebrations and historical events, the Kansas 250 commission is asking everyone to participate in the upcoming celebration of America 250.
How to celebrate America 250 all year long in Kansas
Find a statewide lineup of events throughout Kansas for America's 250th birthday. Look for traveling exhibits, special celebrations at museums, nature challenges, and even scavenger hunts to search for some of the state's symbols!
Per Aspera Podcast
Welcome to Per Aspera, a Kansas history podcast from the Kansas 250 Commission.
This season, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we’re telling stories about the people and places of Kansas that connect to themes in the Declaration of Independence.
Kansas 250 Bookshelf
The State Library of Kansas has launched the Kansas 250 Bookshelf to run in conjunction with America 250, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Kansas 250 Bookshelf features books about Kansas or written by Kansans that have been…
Celebrate in America!
"America is exactly as strong as the initiative, courage, understanding, and loyalty of the individual citizen."
Dwight Eisenhower, President of Columbia University, 9/17/1950
National Archives and Records Administration
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives is planning special events and has already launched an ongoing exhibition series, Opening the Vault, to share some of the most historically valuable and iconic artifacts in American history.
Presidential Libraries
Through archives, museums and public programs, Presidential Libraries continue to preserve the documents and artifacts of our Presidents, helping learn about our nation and democracy. They hold the raw materials of history: evidence of democracy at work and of the continuing relevance of the Presidents' past decisions.
Explore America's Founding Documents
These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
Explore Founders Online
Through Founders Online, you can read and search through thousands of documents and records to and from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison and see firsthand the growth of democracy and the birth of the Republic. Their letters and journals are a kind of "first draft" of the Charters of Freedom.
View Other Milestone Documents
Milestone documents are primary source documents that highlight pivotal moments in the course of American history or government. They are some of the most-viewed and sought-out documents in the holdings of the National Archives.
Greatest American Road Trip
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great American Road Trip initiative invites Americans to explore the nation’s highways and byways in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Launched by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, the campaign highlights iconic travel routes, historic landmarks, and scenic destinations across all 50 states, encouraging families to rediscover the beauty of the country by car. Visit the Great American Road Trip website for interactive maps, travel tips, and curated itineraries to help plan your journey as part of this once-in-a-generation milestone.