With the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the rearview mirror, planning for the United States’ 250th is kicking into high gear. This monthly column will highlight plans from across the nation in hopes that you find inspiration for your own 250th anniversary commemoration!
Inspiration and Tips for your Own 250th Planning
If you don’t already have plans in place for the 250th, don’t fret – there is still time to craft a meaningful commemoration of the anniversary that strengthens your organization’s mission and furthers its goals.
To get started, read about American Association of State and Local History (AASLH)’s five themes:
- Unfinished Revolutions
- Power of Place
- We the People
- American Experiment
- Doing History
These themes were intentionally created to be broad, allowing heritage and cultural organizations representing all types of history and culture to get involved, even if you don’t have a direct tie to the Revolutionary era.
After you are familiar with these themes, create an inventory of your existing stories and resources, and then assign one or more themes to each one.
- For a museum, your resources include your exhibits, artifacts, stories, buildings, programs, events, and location.
This exercise will help you identify the themes you can most easily embrace throughout the anniversary, without needing to add new programs, events, or exhibits.
Of course, an anniversary is a chance to get creative, so don’t shy away from planning something new! This will help generate extra attention, revenue, and excitement for your organization.
Some ideas from other organizations to inspire you:
- Pennsylvania’s America250PA is sponsoring the Liberty Tree Project, with a goal of planting certified Liberty Trees in every county in the state. You can pursue a similar goal by planting 250 new trees in your community.
- Partner with an outdoor recreation outfitter on hikes, bike rides, and/or kayak rides along your historic route, like Three Village Historical Society is doing with Tri-Spy Tours’ exploration of the Setauket Spy Ring.
- Abilene, Kansas, is creating the state’s first America 250 mural. This is a great community project any organization can spearhead with its community.
For more ideas on 250th anniversary planning, search the database of ideas at the 250th Inspiration Project and watch for next month’s column in ALHFAM’s eUpdate.
By Heidi Schlag
President, Culture-Link Communications
A nonprofit communications consultant, Heidi Glatfelter Schlag owns Culture-Link Communications. Exemplifying her company’s motto “Authentic Stories for Memorable Journeys,” Heidi helps heritage and cultural clients identify unique narratives that truly engage visitors. She then creates integrated, customer-focused campaigns that drive success across marketing, fundraising, media relations, and interpretive efforts. After playing a major role in Havre de Grace, Maryland’s War of 1812 Bicentennial and the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s 50th anniversary, she is now focused on inspiring innovative projects and creative partnerships for the Semiquincentennial via her 250th Inspiration Project. She has been a member of ALHFAM since 2009.
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