America250 National 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.
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.
As we commemorate the Semiquincentennial, it’s crucial to:
- Gain a more complete picture: These books highlight diverse voices and experiences often overlooked in traditional accounts.
- Challenge assumptions: By exploring new research and interpretations, we can question long-held beliefs about the Revolutionary era.
- Connect past to present: Understanding the complexities of our founding helps us better grasp current issues and debates.
- Inspire civic engagement: A deeper knowledge of our history can encourage more active participation in our democracy.
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.
250 & Beyond
250 & Beyond is a national initiative, led by a coalition of leading service organizations, to create inspiring, inclusive, and enduring exhibitions to honor service in ALL its forms in communities, schools, libraries, and museums all across the country. It is a call to action, honoring our past, celebrating our present and inspiring our future, helping us respect our differences and transcend our divisions. If our nation is to last another 250 years, we must renew and sustain the American spirit of service among all our people and institutions. Your organization, school, community or you as an individual can be part of this.
America250 in Idaho Resources 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.
Guidelines for Logo Use
Logo use guidelines for social media are essential to maintain brand integrity and recognition across digital platforms. When incorporating the logo into social media profiles, always use the appropriate version optimized for each platform’s dimensions to ensure a professional appearance. Avoid any alterations or modifications to the logo, including changing colors or stretching, to preserve its authenticity and consistency throughout the brand’s online presence.
The A250 in Idaho logo can be used in all print materials relating to A250 in Idaho agency and legacy initiatives. Always use the logo in its original, high-resolution format to ensure clarity and sharpness. Avoid resizing the logo disproportionately, as this can distort its proportions and reduce its impact. Additionally, maintain a clear space around the logo to prevent visual clutter and increase visibility. Ensure that the logo’s colors are consistent with the brand’s official color palette and refrain from altering them. When placing the logo alongside other elements, maintain a balance to avoid overwhelming the design. Lastly, always refer to the brand’s official style guide to ensure adherence
to specific logo usage rules and restrictions. Following these guidelines will guarantee that the logo
remains an effective and recognizable representation of the brand on printed materials.
Ensure that the logo is in a web-friendly format like PNG or SVG, allowing for scalability without losing quality. Optimize the logo’s file size to minimize loading times and enhance user experience on websites and digital media. Finally, always provide a clickable link back to the homepage when the logo is used as a navigation element to improve site usability.
When using the logo on letterheads, maintain a clean and uncluttered design to ensure the logo stands out prominently at the top of the page. Keep the logo size appropriate to avoid overwhelming the letter content while still ensuring it remains easily recognizable. For presentations, place the logo strategically on each slide, such as the corner or bottom, to reinforce brand presence without distracting from the content. Ensure the logo’s colors and proportions remain consistent across all materials to uphold brand identity.
When using the logo on plaques and signage, opt for a size visible from a distance and proportional to the space to maintain readability and impact. Select materials and finishes that complement the logo’s aesthetics while ensuring durability and longevity in various weather conditions. Maintain color accuracy and adhere to the brand’s official color palette to reinforce brand recognition and consistency. Additionally, consider the environment where the plaques and signage will be displayed to ensure the logo blends harmoniously with the surroundings and leaves a lasting impression.
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.