Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial

In just five years, the United States will commemoration the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. The Semiquincentennial offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew public engagement with history, to transform and strengthen our field, and to help audiences reflect upon the full complexity and diversity of our nation’s past. 

That’s why AASLH is thrilled to announce that on July 1, we will publish Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial, a new resource to help the history community prepare for 2026. Developed with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in collaboration with colleagues across the country, this publication will feature guiding themes, big-picture goals, and inspiring ideas to help you consider how you can contribute to the 250th commemoration. Whether you’ve already begun planning or are still unsure if and how your community will take part, Making History at 250 will help us all consider how we can  fulfill the potential of this anniversary. 

With remarks from:

Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Association of African American Museums

John R. Dichtl, American Association for State and Local History 

Anthea Hartig, Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Adam Wolfson, Acting Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities 

Roundtable Conversation with:

Terry Brown, America 250 Foundation / National Park Service

Brandie Macdonald, Museum of Us

Aimee Newell, Museum of the American Revolution / AASLH Small Museums Committee