Issue 18, May 2026

250 Events Grant Deadline: May 29

Don't delay—our America's 250th Events Grant deadline is approaching quickly!



This grant supports community-based organizations in planning and delivering public events for the commemoration of America’s 250th. The program is designed to encourage inclusive, locally driven activities that bring people together to reflect on our shared history. Priority will be given to projects that incorporate history and connect to an official Washington State America's 250th initiative.

The Day of Service is June 14

As part of Washington's commemoration of America's 250th, we are encouraging everyone to give back to their communities through volunteering.


While we have designated June 14 (Flag Day) as our commemorative Day of Service, anyone can participate at any time.


The Day of Service is about "giving back" to your local community. Communities around the state can participate by identifying a project that is meaningful to them and encouraging participation. Individuals can participate by volunteering on their own or participating in a community project.


Our Day of Service is part of national effort called America Gives which is focused on reinvigorating a culture of service in the United States.


The United States has a long history of service, from Benjamin Franklin’s first volunteer fire brigade in the 1700s, to the founding of organizations like the American Red Cross in 1881 and the Peace Corps in 1961. It is hoped that through this effort, the country will create a lasting legacy of service for generations to come.


Communities can also participate by creating a “community museum of service” which identifies local people or groups dedicated to serving others, and finds public spaces (libraries, businesses, museums, community centers, etc.) where they can be recognized. A variety of resources are available from the National Center and Museum of Service to honor your community's volunteers.


Let Us Know If You Are Participating


Let us know if your community is planning a Day of Service event by emailing info@america250WA.org.


Add Your Hours to the National Effort


People around the country can add their hours to the national effort which has already racked up more than 8 million hours this year! Click here to add your hours.

 

PARTNER NEWS

Ideas from our Partners


Need some inspiration about what you can do in your community for America's 250th? Check out some of our partner ideas.

 

Social Media in Pend Oreille County

The Pend Oreille County Historical Society is doing a series of social media posts called "People Who Shaped Pend Oreille County and the Surrounding Area" as a way to highlight local history.


Rats in Pacific County

The Knappton Cove Heritage Center has a unique take on history with a special program called "Smallpox Threatens the Nation!" which traces stories about this dreaded disease and how it played a part in the American Revolution. Their program's special guest will be a "Rodent of Unusual Size".


Art Show in Oroville

Tying into our theme of "The Power of Place" the Highlands Community Support Coalition in Okanogan County will host an art show that features artists' contemporary responses to the photographs of Frank S. Matsura, whose images captured a pivotal moment of transition in north-central Washington.


City-wide Scavenger Hunt in La Center

The City of La Center (Clark County) is hosting a nine-week America250 scavenger hunt throughout the city. Each week clues are posted to different locations where a commemorative coin is hidden. Find the coin and bring it to city hall for a prize.

Upcoming Partner Events


Post your event on our statewide calendar.

 

There are now too many partner events to list each month, make sure to regularly check the events calendar for events near you.


Also, don't forget to post your event on our statewide calendar -- our tourism and media partners are using the calendar to help promote local events.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

FREE Civic Quest Boxes 
Available for Family Fun

Looking for a fun family activity? The National Constitution Center has created the Civic Quest which turns the American Revolution into a mystery your family solves together.


This play-based family learning experience brings American history to life through hands-on missions of intrigue and discovery. Designed for kids ages 7-12 (with adult support) players decode the past, meet compelling historical characters, and solve clues uncovering the big ideas and everyday people that shaped our nation.


Already almost 10,000 FREE boxes have been distributed around the country with a second distribution of boxes scheduled for September. Use the link below to request your box now.  

"Our American Story" 
Airstream Visits Vancouver

Our American Story is a nationwide storytelling project to collect and preserve personal stories from people across the country. It is one of several initiatives organized by the national America250 committee and invites people to pause, reflect and share the moments that have shaped their lives and communities.


A special airstream has been traveling around America to collect these stories and will be in Vancouver on Friday May 22 at Esther Short Park. You are invited to come and share your story!


Participants and visitors will be invited to sit down for a guided conversation with a trained interviewer. Using thoughtful prompts, these conversations will explore lived experience, service, civic life, and personal legacy. There are no right or wrong answers. Each story is recorded with care and respect, creating a lasting record of what this moment in American life feels like from your point of view. 


Every interview becomes part of the Our American Story archive and selected recordings will be preserved at the Library of Congress so future generations can hear directly from people who lived through this time. Some stories may also be shared more widely through media and digital platforms, helping local voices reach a national audience. 


Can't stop by the airstream? Use this QR code to self-record your story.

AROUND WASHINGTON

 

Welcome to the Team!


Seymour History, our unofficial America's 250th ambassador, 
welcomes the following cities to the America250 WA Team!

Ocean Shores
(Grays Harbor County)

Tumwater
 (Thurston County)

Spokane Valley
(Spokane County)

Vader
(Lewis County)

Camas
(Clark County)

Kent
(King County)

Sequim
(Clallam County)

Arlington
(Snohomish County)

Raymond
(Pacific County)

North Bend
(King County)

South Prairie
(Pierce County)

La Center
(Clark County)

Enumclaw
(King County)

Yakima
(Yakima County)

Marysville
(Snohomish County)

 

REMINDERS

 

Events Calendar


Partners can now submit their America's 250th events and activities on our new statewide events calendar for 2026.



 











America Gives portal


The national America250 Committee is donating $1 million toward volunteer projects. Log your volunteer hours on the national portal to become eligible for a chance to be one of 250 winners who will choose where that million goes.

This planning guide for partners provides an overview of America's 250th in Washington and includes ideas, tips, and resources for any partner to be part of this important historic milestone.


 

Marketing Toolkit


The marketing toolkit has templates for posters, flyers, street banners, social media, etc. All templates can be customized with your logo and our Washington 250 logo.


Note: Partners must sign the logo use agreement to access and use the marketing toolkit.

This Week in Washington History


"This Week in Washington History" is a social media project in collaboration with our partner HistoryLink that will highlight interesting facts and significant dates in our state's history during 2026. Find our @America250WA accounts on Facebook and Instagram to follow along.

 

Partner Reporting Form


Share your America's 250th photos, videos, or digital copies of flyers, posters, articles, proclamations, etc., with this simple form. These materials will be used to help create our final report for the entire state.

25 for 250


Here is a list of 25 simple things anyone in the state can do to be part of America's 250th. This list is ideal for public engagement in your community.

 

KEY 2026 DATES

 

Day of Service: Sunday, June 14, 2026

Communities will organize local service projects such as helping digitize historical photographs at your history museum or participating in community cleanup events.


Independence Day: Saturday, July 4, 2026

Incorporate our official themes of America's 250th anniversary—We the People, Power of Place, and Sharing History—into your existing July 4th activities.


Washington Museum Day: Saturday, August 8, 2026

In collaboration with the Washington Museum Association, museums across the state will offer free or discounted admission and promote the “Out of Many, One” project.


Day of Civic Engagement: Thursday September 17, 2026

Communities are invited to plan activities to inspire civic participation such as hosting voter registration, meet-and-greets with civic leaders, or a civics-themed trivia night.

 

STATE COMMITTEE

State Committee Meetings

Coming Up: 250 State Committee Meeting

July 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (PT) | Online


State committee meetings are quarterly and open to the public.

Previous Meetings

View on TVW


Watch recordings of previous meetings courtesy of TVW.

Please share this newsletter with any organization that might be interested in becoming an America's 250th WA partner.

america250wa.org

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