Utah Humanities - America250

Commemorating 250 Years as a Nation

On July 4, 2026, our nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For Utah Humanities, this milestone is an invitation to reflect on our shared past, to honor the many voices and experiences that shape our communities, and to engage Utahns in thoughtful dialogue about the future we are building—together, across generations.

Join us in commemorating our nation's 250th anniversary by participating in events and opportunities designed to spark conversation, deepen community ties, and honor our collective heritage.

Voices & Votes: Democracy in America

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From March 2026 to March 2027, Utah Humanities will host a special Utah tour of Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition from Museum on Main Street.

Voices & Votes: Democracy in America traces the bold American experiment of a government run by and for the people. The exhibition examines the influences that shaped the early days of American democracy and the changes that have occurred in the nearly 250 years since. Plan to visit the exhibition in these communities and learn how Utah connects to this national story through local companion exhibits and public programming.

America at 250: Voices and Perspectives
A Community Conversation Toolkit

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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are reflecting on our shared history, democratic ideals, and future responsibilities. Utah Humanities created this toolkit to help organizations, groups, and neighbors gather for thoughtful conversation.

Community Conversations are a place for telling our story and hearing other stories, a space designed for fostering mutual insight and common purpose. The process involves listening with empathy, searching for common ground, and exploring new ideas and perspectives. Unlike debate, it doesn’t involve arguing for a point of view, defending a set of assumptions, or critiquing the positions of others. The goal isn’t reaching agreement or arriving at conclusions; it’s to gain a deeper understanding.

Through historical texts, speeches, Utah stories, and Indigenous perspectives, participants are invited to consider how Americans have understood liberty, equality, citizenship, and belonging over time.

Download the Conversation Toolkit.

Utah Humanities' Center for the Book
Reading Recommendations

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Nonfiction:

Common Sense (America 250 Edition) (Books of American Wisdom) by Thomas Paine

Natural Rights, the Common Good, and the American Revolution (America at 250), part of: America at 250 (3 books) by Janice Rogers Brown, Daniel E. Burns, et al. | Oct 7, 2025

U.S. History: An Enthralling Guide to America's Major Events, Including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, part of: Exploring the Past (43 books) | by Billy Wellman

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson, Robin Miles, et al.

American History for Beginners: The Ultimate 3-in-1 Guide to United States History, Major Events, and Key Figures That Shaped America’s Future, part of: Echoes Through Time (2 books) by Matt Clayton and Jay Herbert

Fiction:

Seeds of Rebellion: American Revolution: Williamsburg (The History Detective Club), Book 1 of 4: The History Detective Club by Wendy M. Neugent, Sep 26, 2025

A Girl Called Samson: A Novel Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged, Amy Harmon (Author), Tavia Gilbert (Narrator), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)

The Turncoat (Renegades of the American Revolution) by Donna Thorland (Goodreads Author)

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon