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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.
America250 events
Discover lectures, exhibits, performances and student-led projects celebrating America250 themes across campus and in the community.
University of Idaho is partnering with the Moscow community and the Latah County Historical Society to commemorate America 250. Find more information about the Moscow America250 Commission and view upcoming events.
Past University of Idaho events
Uncovering History: Claudette Colvin
Thursday, April 30 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Join historians Mario Pile and Rebecca Scofield for a conversation on how history is collected, cataloged and told. Through the story of Claudette Colvin, this Common Read event explores how voices like hers shape our understanding of American history.
History Has Its Eyes on You: American Struggles for Democracy
Monday, April 13 | 5-9 p.m.
Join us at the Borah Theater on the Moscow campus for a screening of the musical Hamilton. A panel discussion and audience Q&A between acts will explore the ongoing challenges and contradictions of American history. Free admission. Refreshments provided.
Policy Pub: America250
Monday, March 2 | 5 p.m. Mountain time
Pengilly’s Saloon, 513 W. Main St., Boise
Join the McClure Center for its next Policy Pub, featuring a conversation on America250. Panelists will explore the principles and foundational ideas that have shaped U.S. and Idaho history. Learn more about the event.
Explore UIdaho stories
Through research, creative work and lived experience, Vandals are exploring the many threads that make up the American story.
UI Extension, Pitkin Nursery celebrating nation’s 250th anniversary by giving communities native plants
Statewide seedling initiative enhances communities while honoring veterans and America250
U of I Law student aims to redefine leadership as she prepares for a career in public service
Kalista Barkley changed her trajectory when she moved to Idaho and enrolled at University of Idaho College of Law
Students connect over book on America’s unsung heroes
America250 initiative connects University of Idaho education majors with Moscow Middle School students to explore unsung heroes through reading and podcasts
Episode 9.6: Politics and polarization
Markie McBrayer uncovers how political division and economic pressures influenced voter behavior in the 2024 election
Themes to consider
America250 offers an opportunity to reflect on who we are as a nation and how we’ve grown. As we commemorate our country’s 250th anniversary, University of Idaho will focus its commemorative efforts around several key themes.
Power of place
A deep engagement with place enables us to reconsider significant questions about history: from Indigenous peoples’ past and present connections with American spaces, to a community’s relationships with and use of land, waterways and natural resources, to the profound consequences of imperial expansion and colonization across the continent.
We the people confront unfinished revolutions
Even as the country prepares to commemorate the penning of a document that claimed liberty and freedom for all people, let us recognize what “we the people” meant in 1776. For much of our history, the United States excluded people from the rights of citizenship, even as it incorporated people of different backgrounds. Throughout the proceeding 250 years, people have fought for their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This is a story of advancements and setbacks.
American experiment
The 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reconsider the origins of our government, democratic institutions and broader civic life. The founders knew the nation was a revolutionary experiment, and they expected future generations to improve upon the republic they created.
Doing history
The anniversary challenges scholars to explain how historical evidence is interpreted and how narratives about the past are created. Inviting audiences to engage with the creation of history can help them become more comfortable with the ambiguous, contested and always-evolving nature of history.
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”?
America250 resources
Guidance for campus commemoration
Find inspiration and best practices in “The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial,” from the American Association of State and Local History.
U of I America250 committee
University of Idaho’s America250 committee brings together employees from across the Moscow campus to lead the university’s participation in the nationwide America250 commemoration. The group works to create opportunities for reflection, collaboration and learning — highlighting Idaho’s diverse stories, sharing resources from state and national partners, and supporting programs that invite Vandals and the public to explore what this milestone means for us all.
Guiding values
- Creating space for open and honest discussions on America’s complex history.
- Ensuring every person can see themselves in America’s story.
- Grounding all efforts in empathy, civility and inclusivity.
- Centering campus-based initiatives on student interests and perspectives.
- Uplifting historical expertise, including insights from Tribal knowledge keepers and community partners.
Committee members
Connect with America250 at University of Idaho
Want to organize an event or want to get involved with U of I’s commemoration?