America250 National Resources
State, non-profit, and affiliate groups participating in the America250 celebration have made a variety of programs, resources, and initiatives available.
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.
250 and 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.
Two Lights for Tomorrow
Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred on the overnight of April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow commemorates that famous ride and uses the imagery of that shining light today as a uniting call to action for our citizens to celebrate and serve.
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
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 Commission on the Arts
The Idaho Commission on the Arts is eager to engage the Idaho arts community in A250. Our constituents include arts and cultural organizations, arts administrators, schools, students, painters, writers, dancers, actors, singers, and tradition bearers across the state. To welcome these Idahoans into A250, we have identified the following projects for branding under the America250 in Idaho Commemoration:
Grants
- Public Programs in the Arts
- Arts Education Projects
- Artist Fellowships
- Traditional Arts
Programming
- Creative Aging
- Creative Placemaking
- Apprenticeships
Digital Content
- Video profiles of award-winning artists and communities of practice
- In addition to branding these existing projects, the Commission is also exploring the possibility of commemorating the 40th anniversary of our fellowships in conjunction with A250.
Idaho Commission for Libraries
The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) will utilize the theme of Idaho history/America 250 for its 2026 Idaho Family Reading Week (FRW) initiative. Idaho FRW is a dedicated week each fall that is a statewide celebration to reinforce the fun and value of family reading. Library staff also use FRW as an advertisement for library services and resources by showcasing all that patrons of public and school libraries have access to with a library card. Idaho Family Reading Week reaches communities around the state. Incorporating A250 in FRW will be an effective way to spread the message to families throughout the Gem State.
The ICfL’s Libraries Linking Idaho (LiLI) collection of tools and resources includes the History Reference Center, where U.S. history can be easily explored. Other topics include: civics and government; women’s history; military history; regions and landmarks; and events and movements. The History Reference Center also includes publications, curriculum standards, citation help, and a research guide. LiLI is freely available to Idahoans 24/7. The ICfL can specifically advertise and market this LiLI resource to libraries.
The ICfL’s Talking Book Service (TBS) will record/produce a new title with an Idaho history theme for TBS patrons.
In addition, the ICfL will communicate with the more than 850 Idaho libraries about the A250 commemoration and encourage local participation by libraries in ways that best serve their communities.
Idaho Department of Commerce
As the lead economic development agency for the State of Idaho, the Idaho Department of Commerce fosters a business-friendly environment to aid in job creation, support existing companies, strengthen communities, and market Idaho to grow, cultivate, expand, guide, encourage, and promote innovation, tourism, recreation, and economic development.
The Idaho Department of Commerce encourages residents, visitors, and communities to use the following resources to understand better Idaho’s cultural, recreational, and humanities-focused businesses and non-profits across the state.
Idaho Department of Education
The Idaho Department of Education will contribute to the America250 Agency Task Force by providing
a supplementary curriculum option to middle and high school students in Idaho, “The Story of America.” This interactive, multi-dimensional curriculum combines U.S. history lessons with literacy skills, adding to existing core classroom history instruction.
The curriculum has been made available to all Idaho middle and high school classrooms, free of charge. “The Story of America” stood out to Superintendent Critchfield’s team as something worth investing in for optional, supplementary use across Idaho, and any teacher interested in using it can opt-in.
The interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with online U.S. history instruction that is correlated with national and state history and literacy standards. It offers an interactive learning adventure that improves students’ grade-level reading proficiency while teaching a truthful and factual story of the journey of U.S. history. The curriculum is designed to give students the background, context and answers needed to understand a complex past while making history come alive, giving students an enhanced learning experience that is cross-disciplinary, immersive and interactive.
“The Story of America” consists of 31 U.S. history units with over 235 lessons. Middle school units begin with human migration, exploration and pre-colonialization and end with Reconstruction. High school units begin with a review of earlier eras and continue from the Reconstruction through modern times. This is combined with 31 literacy development lessons using teacher and student-led instructional videos and activities to analyze, evaluate, research and debate U.S. history through literacy skills.
We are pleased to be able to provide this statewide supplementary option to our Idaho classrooms with the dual goal of improving both our students’ literacy outcomes and providing an accurate, immersive look into the story of the United States of America.
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Idaho Department of Labor
The Idaho Department of Labor’s (IDOL) initiatives align and support the America250 in Idaho commemoration in several key ways.
Economic Strength and Innovation:
- The department’s efforts to connect job seekers with employment opportunities and improve employment rates contribute to Idaho’s economic momentum. This aligns with America250’s focus on celebrating Idaho’s role in America’s prosperity and attracting investment and opportunities to the Gem State.
Education and Workforce Development:
- IDOL’s workforce development programs and vocational rehabilitation services support the America250 goal of empowering Idahoans’ hearts and minds. These initiatives foster critical thinking and prepare learners of all ages for the workforce, contributing to Idaho’s economic strength.
Volunteerism:
- Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, embodies the uniquely American spirit of community engagement and civic responsibility. This organization inspires and empowers Idahoans to address unmet needs through service and volunteerism, reflecting a longstanding national tradition. Volunteerism has been a cornerstone of American society since its founding, and Serve Idaho exemplifies this ethos through various programs:
- AmeriCorps: Serve Idaho oversees several AmeriCorps programs, including Reading Corps, which helps young students improve their literacy skills, and environmental initiatives that preserve Idaho’s natural beauty.
- AmeriCorps Seniors: This program engages volunteers aged 55 and over in meaningful service opportunities, fostering intergenerational connections and utilizing the skills and experience of older Americans.
The American tradition of volunteerism, as exemplified by Serve Idaho, reflects core national values such as self-reliance, community support, and civic engagement. This grassroots approach to addressing social issues through citizen participation has been a defining characteristic of American society, distinguishing it from many other nations where such services are primarily government driven. By connecting Idahoans with diverse volunteer opportunities, from environmental conservation to education and public health, Serve Idaho continues to uphold and strengthen this uniquely American tradition of community service and civic responsibility.
Idaho Transportation Department
The Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) mission is your safety, your mobility, and your economic opportunity. The agency’s work aspires to enhance quality of life through transportation. In support of America250 in Idaho, ITD invites residents, visitors, and communities to tell your America250 story through photographs and to learn about the state’s transportation history via two repositories of digital photographs from all over the state.
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
The Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.
The America250 in Idaho commemoration embraces Idaho’s natural beauty as a tenant of what makes Idaho unique to the union. Idaho State Parks curate the story of how Idaho came to be, showing how those who chose to live here made it the place so many cherish today. Visit one of Idaho’s 30 state parks as part of your celebration of America250 in Idaho and learn more about these valuable places via the link below.
Idaho Public Television
Idaho Public Television is proud to be part in Idaho’s celebration of the founding of our nation. As Idaho’s only statewide broadcaster and multi-platform content producer, we strive to connect our state in unique ways. We’ve been educating, informing and connecting Idaho citizens for almost 60 years with our award-winning local productions and PBS content.
In many ways our agency’s body of work over the years parallels our charter with American 250 and we intend to expand those efforts as the celebration date approaches, for broadcast and online.
Idaho Reports, the longest running news and public affairs program in the West, will tackle stories of democracy and citizenship. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting intends to engage with similar work about our active citizenry. Outdoor Idaho has been showcasing the beauty and wonders of our state’s outdoors since 1983. We intend to highlight Idaho’s public lands and their importance to the tribes, settlers, economy and environment of Idaho. Idaho Experience, our history documentary series, produced in partnership with the Idaho State Historical Society, plans several episodes that connect citizens to our state and nation’s history. In 2026, for example, we will tell the story of the way Eastern Idaho was changed by the 1976 Teton Dam collapse and flood.
PBS also plans major documentaries for the celebration. Included will be a new multi-part series on the Revolutionary War by Ken Burns. We will capitalize on PBS’ content to bring statewide awareness to Idaho’s Journey, America’s Legacy.
Idaho State Historical Society
The Idaho Department of Education will contribute to the America250 Agency Task Force by providing
a supplementary curriculum option to middle and high school students in Idaho, “The Story of America.” This interactive, multi-dimensional curriculum combines U.S. history lessons with literacy skills, adding to existing core classroom history instruction.
The curriculum has been made available to all Idaho middle and high school classrooms, free of charge. “The Story of America” stood out to Superintendent Critchfield’s team as something worth investing in for optional, supplementary use across Idaho, and any teacher interested in using it can opt-in.
The interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with online U.S. history instruction that is correlated with national and state history and literacy standards. It offers an interactive learning adventure that improves students’ grade-level reading proficiency while teaching a truthful and factual story of the journey of U.S. history. The curriculum is designed to give students the background, context and answers needed to understand a complex past while making history come alive, giving students an enhanced learning experience that is cross-disciplinary, immersive and interactive.
“The Story of America” consists of 31 U.S. history units with over 235 lessons. Middle school units begin with human migration, exploration and pre-colonialization and end with Reconstruction. High school units begin with a review of earlier eras and continue from the Reconstruction through modern times. This is combined with 31 literacy development lessons using teacher and student-led instructional videos and activities to analyze, evaluate, research and debate U.S. history through literacy skills.
We are pleased to be able to provide this statewide supplementary option to our Idaho classrooms with the dual goal of improving both our students’ literacy outcomes and providing an accurate, immersive look into the story of the United States of America.
Idaho Public Television is proud to be part in Idaho’s celebration of the founding of our nation. As Idaho’s only statewide broadcaster and multi-platform content producer, we strive to connect our state in unique ways. We’ve been educating, informing and connecting Idaho citizens for almost 60 years with our award-winning local productions and PBS content.
In many ways our agency’s body of work over the years parallels our charter with American 250 and we intend to expand those efforts as the celebration date approaches, for broadcast and online.
Idaho Reports, the longest running news and public affairs program in the West, will tackle stories of democracy and citizenship. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting intends to engage with similar work about our active citizenry. Outdoor Idaho has been showcasing the beauty and wonders of our state’s outdoors since 1983. We intend to highlight Idaho’s public lands and their importance to the tribes, settlers, economy and environment of Idaho. Idaho Experience, our history documentary series, produced in partnership with the Idaho State Historical Society, plans several episodes that connect citizens to our state and nation’s history. In 2026, for example, we will tell the story of the way Eastern Idaho was changed by the 1976 Teton Dam collapse and flood.
PBS also plans major documentaries for the celebration. Included will be a new multi-part series on the Revolutionary War by Ken Burns. We will capitalize on PBS’ content to bring statewide awareness to Idaho’s Journey, America’s Legacy.
The ISHS will lead the lead America250 in Idaho Commemoration through collaborating with the State Agency Task Force in planning and executing the America250 Commemoration. This includes serving as the liaison to the office of Governor Little, connecting the work of the state of Idaho to national commemoration leadership and Idaho key constituents. ISHS will lead the communications efforts of the commemoration and report on its impacts.
ISHS seeks to create and collaborate on legacy initiatives, including the reimagining of the Old Penitentiary Historic Site, the Collections and Archives Stewardship facility, and the “Outdoor Museum of Idaho” and Historic Highway Marker program with the Idaho Departments of Commerce and Transportation. The ISHS will create an exhibition- We The People – on the people of Idaho, building understanding of Idaho’s greatest resource and their sovereignty, citizenship, belonging, and personal stories that have contributed to this place we call home.
We round out our contributions to this national effort by celebrating people, places, and events across our great state from Bonner’s Ferry to Sun Valley, to Franklin who at their community level preserve and promote Idaho History each day. This will include implementing an America250 grants program to fund community projects that enhance literacy, culture, records management and preservation practices, economic development, the arts, and civic engagement.
Our ISHS Esto Perpetua Award program will recall 25 years of statewide storytelling and advancing history across our great state. Reprinting Saints and Oddfellows will provide a lens into Idaho’s midcentury architecture and the Merci Train Car 75th Anniversary will shine a light on America’s impact on the world as noted with gratitude from the people of France for their liberation.
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.
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 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.