RESOURCES
Bolster your celebration with free state and national resources.
Throughout the America250 in Idaho celebration, state and national resources will continue to be made available for the public to share and incorporate into commemorative projects, events, and classrooms.
State, non-profit, and affiliate groups participating in the America250 celebration have made a variety of programs, resources, and initiatives available.
America250 National Resources
America250 Reading List: Expanding Our Understanding of the Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution has curated an essential reading list to deepen our knowledge of the nation’s founding era as we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence. This collection of books offers fresh perspectives on the Revolutionary period, challenging traditional narratives and broadening our understanding of this pivotal historical moment.
The reading list includes works that:
- Examine the roles of women, African Americans, and Native Americans in the Revolution
- Explore the global context and international impacts of American independence
- Investigate the social and economic factors that shaped the Revolutionary period
- Analyze the development of American political thought and institutions
By engaging with these diverse perspectives, we can use the America250 commemoration as an opportunity to develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of our nation’s origins and its ongoing struggle to fulfill the ideals of the Revolution.
Declaration250 from the National Archives
July 4, 2026, is our nation’s 250th anniversary. The National Archives is celebrating Declaration250: the spirit of equality and liberty enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, 250 years of our nation’s resilience and pursuit of happiness, and our collective growth toward a more perfect nation.
America250 Federal Resources
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Learn more about the national efforts to commemorate this milestone for our nation.
America's Field Trip
A multi-year contest that invites students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork and essays, answering the question, “What does America mean to you?” for the chance to earn unique experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest ends 5:00 p.m. ET on 4/16/25. Open to U.S. students (3rd – 12th grade). See Official Rules for full details including how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize description/restrictions and judging procedure. Void where prohibited.
America250 State Resources
Idaho State Department of Education Civics & Social Studies
Understanding Idaho’s unique social studies and civics is essential for engaged citizens. The Idaho social studies and civics website provides a comprehensive collection of resources tailored to our state’s specific needs. Find materials aligned with Idaho’s educational standards, explore local historical events, and gain insights into our state’s governmental processes. Whether you’re preparing for a classroom lesson or simply curious about Idaho, our website offers valuable resources for all learners.
Social Studies and civics education are integrated studies of the social sciences. The key components of social studies content knowledge include history, geography, economics and financial literacy, civics, and government. It puts a strong emphasis on important and enduring ideas, events, and people that now affect students’ lives and serve as a foundation for the future. As students learn the curriculum, they will develop the critical skills necessary to participate fully in our society. These skills include the ability to acquire relevant and reliable information, organize data, develop sound arguments, construct new knowledge, and collaborate with peers.
Civics – https://www.sde.idaho.gov/academic/civics/
Social Studies – https://www.sde.idaho.gov/academic/social-studies/
Idaho State Historical Society Oral History Initiative
In the heart of the American West, the state of Idaho prepares to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The America250 in Idaho task force, comprised of participating state agencies, has identified opportunities to collectively and independently highlight the commemoration through specific projects and initiatives that tie into America250 in Idaho themes.
The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) manages the America250 in Idaho Oral History Initiative, providing eligible entities access to the TheirStory™ Platform. TheirStory streamlines the recording, transcribing, and management of oral history projects. Selected participants will use TheirStory™ to capture and preserve local stories, creating interviews that will become part of an America250 oral history collection housed at the Idaho State Archives. Participants can record unlimited interview hours with unlimited narrators during the initiative. ISHS will make all interviews available to participants via the state archives’ library catalog and on Aviary Platform. Idaho non-profits, governments, schools, and businesses can apply.
All applications must be submitted through the Grant Portal.
Download the Oral History Guidelines.
Idaho Transportation Department Educator Toolkit
An Idaho road trip is a beautiful celebration of America250. Idaho’s state highway system connects people to what matters most, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) keeps people and goods safely moving across our great state. ITD offers two safety programs for educators and organizations: the Cone Zone (in spring and summer for work zone safety) and SNOW (Safely Navigate Our Winter) for winter driving and snowplow safety. ITD staff are ready to come to your school; drivers’ education program, club or event and share their experiences keeping the roads safe. It’s a way to connect drivers directly with the people and equipment that keep Idaho’s roads safe. Sign up here.
America250 in Idaho Guides and Templates
The America250 Municipality Resolution Template is designed to support Idaho’s local governments, counties, and communities as they engage in the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This document serves as a formal resolution framework, encouraging communities to recognize this historic milestone and honor Idaho’s unique contributions to the nation’s story. Municipalities and counties across Idaho are invited to adopt this resolution as part of their America250 commemoration efforts. By doing so, they publicly affirm their commitment to engaging residents in reflective, educational, and celebratory activities, recognizing Idaho’s journey in America’s legacy. The resolution can be introduced and adopted during council meetings or by county boards, allowing communities to foster partnerships, organize local events, and connect Idaho’s story to the broader ideals of equality, liberty, and justice.
The America250 Project Checklist Template is a practical resource that guides organizations, communities, and local entities in planning for America’s 250th anniversary celebration. It offers a structured approach to help coordinators ensure that their America250 initiatives align with the broader goals of the America250 in Idaho commemoration, fostering historical awareness, community involvement, and meaningful celebrations. This template is designed for project coordinators, community leaders, and partner organizations planning events, educational programs, or other commemorative activities leading up to the 2026 celebration. By working through each item in the checklist, teams can stay organized, track progress, and confirm they meet project milestones. This tool is beneficial for outlining tasks, assigning roles, and keeping projects on schedule.
The Making History at 250 guide, developed by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), is a foundational resource for organizations and entities involved in planning for the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026. This document presents essential insights, strategies, and frameworks to guide commemorative projects, helping them reflect on the full breadth of American history. With the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching, this guide aids planners in creating meaningful, inclusive programs and events that invite public engagement and historical reflection.
The America250 Program Handbook, developed by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), serves as a key resource for organizations seeking to streamline their communication processes and enhance the quality of their written content for America250-related programming. It outlines a set of clear, actionable instructions for crafting well-structured, informative, and impactful programs.
America250 in Idaho Brand Assets
The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) retains the brand trademark for America250 in Idaho. All America250 in Idaho logo and brand use must be requested and approved.
Any America250 in Idaho logo and brand use must be done in accordance with the America250 in Idaho Brand Guidelines.
Any use of materials on the website, including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or replication, any form of data extraction or data mining, or other commercial exploitation of any kind, without prior written permission of an authorized officer of the ISHS is strictly prohibited. Visitors agree that they will not use or copy our web pages or the content contained therein without prior written permission of an authorized officer of ISHS.
All trademarks displayed on the America250 in Idaho website are the trademarks of their respective owners, and constitute neither an endorsement nor a recommendation of those organizations. In addition, such use of trademarks or links to the web sites of third-party organizations is not intended to imply, directly or indirectly, that those organizations endorse or have any affiliation with ISHS or America250 in Idaho.
Request America250 in Idaho Brand Assets
By submitting this request you are agreeing to follow the terms and conditions set forth in the America250 in Idaho Brand Guidelines. You acknowledge that the Idaho State Historical Society has the right to revoke branding permissions or request amendments to any work incorporating the America250 in Idaho brand.
All projects branded with America250 in Idaho are subject to review by the Idaho State Historical Society.
Events
