PROGRAMS

Utah’s Invitation

The semiquincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence offers us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a country and consider the ongoing work of democracy. America250 Utah will commemorate the anniversary with wide-ranging activities, beginning in 2024 and culminating in 2026.

We encourage all Utahns to join in reflecting on the milestones that have brought our nation to where we are today as we look with hope to the future.

500 For Our Future

Teaching the next generation about America’s history and guiding values will empower our children to lead into the next 250 years of America’s story with courage and compassion. Over the next two years, America250 Utah is partnering with Utah Valley University's Center for Constitutional Studies and others to reach 500 K-12 teachers with professional training and resources for civics education.

For educators

“Writings of a Revolution…”

Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, this exhibit at the Utah State Capitol will showcase artifacts from the Revolutionary War period. The Declaration of Independence summarized the colonists’ motivations to seek independence from Great Britain and is seen as the first formal statement of a nation’s intention to choose their own form of government. A traveling display will also be available for arts and cultural organizations, libraries, and other community buildings.

For students, educators, clubs, and individuals

Walk250 Utah

Utahns and Americans have created paths to explore and survive, from seasonal migrations of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone to pioneer trails, as well as transcontinental railways to shoreline routes. Walk250 Utah commemorates this movement of various peoples through our beautiful landscape by challenging every Utahn to walk 250 miles within the calendar year of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

For municipalities, counties, businesses, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and individuals

Utah250 Communities

America250 Utah aims to partner with Utah’s 250+ municipalities, counties, and Tribal nations to create hundreds of exciting and engaging opportunities to commemorate and celebrate local events and everyday Americans who have shaped our history. America250 Utah’s toolkits will provide ideas for towns and cities to come alive with programs and events to inspire, showcase arts, culture, science, and highlight places and public spaces.

For municipalities and counties

250 Service Projects for America250

Leaning into Utah's first-in-the-nation status for volunteerism, America250 Utah will work with UServeUtah, Show Up Utah, youth-led organizations, and other partners to create more than 250 service opportunities across the state. Utahns are passionate about contributing to the greater good, and volunteering also provides tangible benefits to the service givers in making connections with others and their communities.

For municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and individuals

Neighborhood Unity Potlucks

Food and music are ways that we can connect across our community tables and bring people together to commemorate, celebrate, and look to the future. What better way to do this than with block parties, neighborhood potluck picnics, and other community gatherings on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

For families, individuals, civic and social clubs, and communities

Listening to One Another: The Declaration of Independence at 250

Thematic and guided conversations can ensure that the full range of America’s voices participate in the 250th commemoration. In partnership with the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the Utah Humanities’ Community Conversations program is working to train facilitators and hold community conversations throughout the state.

For libraries, nonprofit organizations, civic clubs, and individuals

Collaboration Through the Power of Arts and Culture

Utah’s Department of Cultural & Community Engagement leads and collaborates with nine divisions who are essential partners in our work. Some of the exciting programs of these divisions focus on leaving a legacy beyond this anniversary and gathering stories that highlight everyday Americans.

If you are already working with a division, we encourage you to reach out to your contact about America250 Utah.

Utah Department Of Culture and Community Engagement Divisions

Museum of Utah

Opening in 2026, the Museum of Utah will be Utah’s first state history museum. Located on Utah’s Capitol Complex, the museum will celebrate our unique history, culture and art through world-class exhibits, programming, and community spaces. The Museum of Utah will feature some of the most unique and precious objects from the Utah Historical Society's collection.

Peoples of Utah Revisited

As part of Utah’s bicentennial commemoration, noted Greek American ethnographer Helen Zeese Papanikolas spearheaded the original “Peoples of Utah” initiative. The volume was published in 1976, and the project created a priceless collection of historic photographs and documents. Through “Peoples of Utah Revisited,” the Utah Historical Society is working to widen the lens on the state’s history and share stories of the past through the present through collecting artifacts and gathering oral histories.

Magnify Utah

Find stories from those who chose to come to Utah, such as immigrants, New Americans and transplants, as well as those who have continued to choose Utah as their home for generations. The Division of Multicultural Affairs has created a learning and resource hub that seeks to celebrate how our state thrives on connections and seeing each other as neighbors. As we welcome new faces, families, and businesses every day, it is important to understand that our future is bright when opportunities abound for everyone.

Promoting Positive Intergovernmental Relations

Since time immemorial, the area now known as Utah was populated by Indigenous people. The Native people have a rich history in defending this land and that tradition continues to this day. Native Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the American Revolution, and Native women continue to serve at one of the highest per capita rates in the country. Native American tribes will continue to push forward in protection of their governmental sovereignty and the preservation of language, culture, and their traditional ties to the land. America250 Utah will work closely with the Utah Division of Indian Affairs to ensure Tribal governments and their sovereignty are acknowledged and to recognize the contributions of Utah’s Indigenous people in America’s 250th anniversary.

Summer Reading: Titles to Celebrate our Independence

The Utah State Library Division is creating a special summer reading program for July 2026. Focused on the themes of America250 Utah to educate, unite, and engage, the challenge will help children and teens retain and enhance their reading skills, and foster a deeper appreciation of our American spirit.

AMERICA250™ PROGRAMS

America250 Utah is part of a nationwide planning effort that includes states, territories, and America250. America250 is planning a multi-year, national effort to engage, educate, and unite Americans from sea to shining sea through the following tentpole programs:

America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic competition designed to engage America’s youth.
Our American Story, a nationwide initiative to gather stories from people across the United States of America and create the largest collection of oral histories ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
America Gives, focused on reinvigorating a year-round culture of service in the United States through 2026 and beyond.
America’s Culture, a national moment to celebrate and uplift American art forms, creative expression, and cultural touchstones.
America Innovates, a nationwide event, featuring a traveling tech expo, that will visit cities around the country over the span of nearly a year.
America’s Time Capsule, a national collection of items that will help tell the story of America at 250 and give future generations a tangible connection to this important milestone.