America250 at University of Idaho

Reflecting on 250 years of America's story

In 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the nation, institutions and organizations are joining together under the America250 initiative to reflect on our past, honor the contributions of all Americans and look toward the future.

America250 is the national, nonpartisan initiative leading this commemoration. The multi-year effort encourages Americans to explore our shared history and renew our commitment to the ideals of liberty, democracy and civic engagement in the largest anniversary observance in the nation’s history.

U of I’s voice in the national celebration

As Idaho’s land-grant research university, University of Idaho is bringing people together from across campus and the community to explore what this milestone means — both nationally and locally. Through creative programming, public dialog and open events, U of I will support thoughtful engagement with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Questions to spark discussion

Exploring America250 isn’t just about looking back — it’s about asking questions that help us see our history and identity in new ways. These prompts encourage reflection on how the past has shaped our communities, our country and our ongoing pursuit of “a more perfect union.”

Use these questions to start conversations — in your classroom, workplace or community — about what America’s past means for our present and future.

• What was happening in our community or your home community in the years surrounding 1776?
• How can Indigenous peoples’ past and present connection to places and environments inform our understanding of historical developments and contemporary challenges?
• How did the natural environment shape past events, such as settlement and migration, imperialism and expansion or economic development?
• How was the environment impacted in turn?
• How have America’s founding documents been used to press for social, political and economic change?
• When has there been progress — and setbacks — in the fight for rights and justice?
• Does your lived experience influence how you think about the ongoing process of becoming “a more perfect union”? In what ways?
• How did different groups in the U.S. and Idaho gain the status of citizen and what rights and responsibilities did that confer?
• How can understanding the origins of government inform civic engagement in the present?
• What role did the Morrill Act play in the creation and operation of our university? How have different people been impacted by its creation?
• What is history and how is it different from “the past”?