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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.
PBS America at 250
Join Idaho Public Television and PBS in commemorating the country’s 250th Anniversary with content exploring how the United States came together, showcasing its rich history, treasured artifacts, and performances and art that define America.
Free Exhibition for Community Organizations: “Moments That Made US”
Moments That Made US is a free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through moments in our history that have defined their meaning. It does so in a user-friendly format that organizations can adapt, afford, and make their own.
America250 is a chance for every community, large or small, to come together with a shared purpose in reflecting on the past and building stronger, more connected communities in the future. Moments That Made US will ensure that every interested institution can access compelling content in 2026.
Click Here to Express Interest
Moment That Made US Information Guide
National Constitution Center's Interactive Declaration
The Interactive Declaration provides the Declaration’s plain text with links to essays and related content for each section.
National Constitution Center's America250 Toolkit
Find lesson plans and activities to explore the Declaration, the Constitution, and founding principles in the classroom.
Sharing the Spirit of America
Idaho is proud to participate in Sharing the Spirit of America, a simultaneous, public Declaration reading on July 8, 2026.
For toolkit content, including full text to the declaration, information about the signers, coordinated start times for each US time zone, and other resources, please visit. : https://hawaiiamerica250.org/sharing-the-spirit-of-america.
If you plan to host an event, please register your event on the Hawaii website noted above and on the America250 in Idaho events calendar at https://america250.idaho.gov/events/.
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
Preserving Idaho’s Voices for the Nation’s 250th
The America250 in Idaho Oral History Initiative is a legacy project dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the stories that define Idaho’s journey within America’s broader narrative. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this initiative invites a broad group of stakeholders to share their stories in support of this historic celebration.
How the Initiative Works
The Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) manages the Oral History Initiative, which provides eligible participants access to TheirStory™, a secure, all-in-one oral history software for recording, transcribing, and managing oral history interviews. TheirStory™ supports both remote and in-person interviews and generates searchable transcripts and indexes for each interview.
Review guidelines here.
Participants may:
- Record, transcribe, and edit unlimited new interviews.
- Transcribe and index previously recorded interviews in their collections.
This initiative does not provide direct funding, but it offers participants robust technical support and training.
To Join the Initiative
- Complete the online application form here.
Selection and Onboarding
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through July 2026. Selected participants will receive:
- A welcome email with account access instructions, legal release templates, and training materials.
- Invitations to onboarding sessions and monthly cohort check-ins for ongoing support and collaboration.
Selected projects may be promoted as part of the America250 in Idaho commemoration.
Ready to help make history?
Apply today and join Idaho’s effort to honor the past, engage the present, and inspire the future. By participating in the Oral History Initiative, you will help preserve Idaho’s unique voices and experiences for future generations.
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.
A250 Celebration Fund
As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, we invite local communities to take part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the American spirit. The America250 in Idaho Celebration Fund provides seed funding to help local jurisdictions create celebrations commemorating the ideals of the American Revolution—equality, liberty, and justice.
From parades and public art to exhibits and community festivals, these grants are designed to ensure that the story of America is told in every corner of our state. We encourage local leaders to join us in commemorating this historic milestone with events and projects that celebrate our past, reflect on our present, and inspire our future. Let’s celebrate 250 years of independence—together.
Boise State University Institute for Advancing American Values
America at 250: Reading the Republic
In 1776, America’s Founding Fathers issued the Declaration of Independence, announcing a break with Great Britain and launching the nation’s remarkable story. Reading the Republic, an initiative from Boise State University’s Institute for Advancing American Values, invites you to read key documents in that journey toward independence. We also ask that you talk about what you read with two other people and consider uploading a video reflection of your experience.
Here is how it works:
Access the Pressbook Here: America’s Founding Moment: Selected Readings from 1775-1799
Select any document from those provided.
Read any document carefully. Review the discussion questions, and jot down thoughts and questions that came up for you.
Ask another person–a friend, family member, co-worker, etc who may have a different political viewpoint than you do– to read the same document and the discussion questions.
Find a time to meet with each person (go for a walk, meet for coffee or whatever you prefer). Enjoy a conversation about the document you read, and consider recording a few highlights about what you learned. The links to record your reflections are available within the pressbook linked above.
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.
Please send a copy of all signed or approved resolutions to hannalore.hein@ishs.idaho.gov or via mail to 2205 Old Idaho Penitentiary Road, Attn: HannaLore Hein, Boise, ID 83712.
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.
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