Issue 3, February 2025

Two Lights for Tomorrow kicks off nationwide activities in April

Washington counties and cities are invited to participate in a nationwide initiative called Two Lights for Tomorrow on the night of April 18-19, 2025.

The two lights were placed in Boston's Old North Church on the night of Paul Revere's ride, April 18-19, 1775, to share an important message. Today, Two Lights for Tomorrow is inviting the nation to use those same symbols to share the message of the importance of supporting each other and serving our communities.

Communities throughout the country will recreate this historic moment on April 18, 2025, by shining two lights (any kind of lights!) in state capitols, city halls, community centers, libraries, homes, and anywhere else wishing to participate. Then, on April 19, 2025,Two Lights for Tomorrow invites communities to put the message into action by planning a local day of service.

A toolkit with additional information will be available soon and will be shared out to our 250 partners.

Two Lights Website

250th at Washington's County Fairs

We are asking county fairs around the state to partner with us and help bring America's 250th to all Washingtonians by:

Signing up as a partner
Using Washington's 250 themes for their fair themes in 2026
Providing free booth space for local museums and historical societies to share local history
Showcasing our downloadable historical panel exhibit during the fair (details available later this year)

If you are a fair or local museum/historical society and would like to participate, please contact us so we can help connect you.

WORKSHOPS

Out of Many, One: Museum Object Project

As part of Washington’s commemoration of America's 250th, the Washington State Historical Society invites museums to identify and exhibit an object or image from their collections that their community feels represents what it means to be American.

Use this opportunity to engage Washington’s America250 themes, generate enthusiasm for local history, and deepen your organization’s connection to the communities it serves.

Join WSHS staff in four virtual workshop sessions to explain how to participate in this initiative and offer suggestions for engaging with the public:

Participating in America250

March 4, 2025 • 10 a.m. via Zoom

WSHS staff will outline several statewide initiatives planned for 2026 that museums can choose to participate in. Register HERE.

Connecting with Your Community

March 11, 2025 • 10 a.m. via Zoom

This session will provide examples of ways small history organizations can better connect with their communities using strategies that are engaging and relevant to diverse audiences. Register HERE.

Knowing Your Community

March 18, 2025 • 10 a.m. via Zoom

This session is designed to help organizations expand their work to serve more diverse audiences through a deeper understanding of their institutional history and the demographics of their community today. Register HERE.

Learning From Your Community

March 25, 2025 • 10 a.m. via Zoom

This session will introduce organizations to the basics of community survey and evaluation work, including the structure, tools, and framework to help them collect good data and build rapport within their community. Register HERE.

General Information Sessions

The Washington 250 team is scheduled to speak at several upcoming events. Click the links below for more information, and if you would like a presentation to your group, please contact us at info@america250wa.org.

March 8: Annie Pulliam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Snoqualmie

May 1-4 (TBC): Washington State Daughters of the American Revolution Conference, Seattle

UPDATES

National Committee

At its January meeting for state partners, the national America250 planning team provided updates about several of its initiatives:

America's Field Trip, a nationwide contest for students grades 3-12 that is currently open; submissions for the current round are due April 16, 2025. More info below!
America Gives, a national volunteering and public service initiative to track volunteer hours across the nation during calendar year 2026. More details will be released soon.
Our American Story, a national effort to collect oral histories which will occur in-person at specific sites across the nation as well as through an online portal. More details will be released soon.

The committee also reported that the White House issued an executive order establishing "Task Force 250" which will help coordinate federal agencies for the Semiquincentennial.

Statewide Partners

As of February 21, more than 175 organizations from around the state have signed up to be America 250 WA partners. Partner organizations include cities, chambers of commerce, historical societies and museums, businesses, service organizations, veterans' groups, and libraries.

We are especially looking for partners in Clallam, Franklin, Garfield, Jefferson, Lewis and Wahkiakum counties to have all 39 represented! A full list of partners is available on the website.

Partner window clings and stickers incoming! All partners will soon receive a complimentary "Official 2026 Partner" static window cling to display as well as 25 vinyl stickers to share.

Not a partner yet? Join today to get first access to toolkits and tips to support your planning; promote your events and activities on the America's 250th Washington website; use the official Washington logo in your materials; and join a coalition working to create meaningful commemorations in each community across the state.

Become a Partner

State Committee Meetings

Coming Up: 250 State Committee Meeting

April 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (PT) | Online

The next meeting of the state committee will include an update about America 250 initiatives.

State committee meetings are quarterly and open to the public.

Previous Meetings

View on TVW

Missed a state committee meeting? Watch recordings of previous meetings courtesy of TVW.

Watch

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

America250 and Gen Z Engagement

The 250th anniversary of the United States is not only about reflecting on our 250 years of history, it's a moment to look to the future and think about what the America of tomorrow will be. One important component of this work will be engaging and including young adults in 250 planning.

If you'd like some ideas about engaging young adults in America250 activities, check out the Youth250 Toolkit created by Made By Us, a coalition of organizations that provides access to history and civics education for young adults by meeting them where they are with credible, timely content and resources sourced from a nationwide network of cultural institutions.

The toolkit has ideas to help any organization learn about the needs and concerns of young adults; build intergenerational relationships; and include young adults in America250 activities.

Youth250 Toolkit

Deadline for America's Field Trip is April 16

America's Field Trip is back! Students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in this year's contest by sharing their perspective about what America means to them. Winners will receive an unforgettable field trip experience to one of our nation's most iconic, historic, or cultural sites. Written or original artwork answering the question "What does America mean to you?" are now being accepted; the deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. (ET) on April 16, 2025.

Contest Details

Please share this newsletter with any organization that might be interested in becoming an America 250 WA partner!

america250wa.org