America250
Countdown to America’ s 250th Anniversary:
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The Words that Changed the World
America at 250
The Declaration of Independence stands as one of history’s most profound statements on human rights, liberty, and the purpose of government. In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years since its remarkable though imperfect founding as the American experiment in self-government that inspired and united millions and changed the course of world history.
At the Jack Miller Center, we believe it's the perfect occassion to ignite a renaissance of civic education and bring the core principles of the Declaration of Independence back into public conversation.
Join us.
JMC's A250 efforts
The National Summit on Civic Education
Words That Change The World: America at 250
The 2026 National Summit on Civic Education will bring together civic educators, thought leaders, funders, and business and civil society leaders in conversation around the Declaration of Independence—and its extraordinary relevance in American education today.
Summit highlights include a naturalization ceremony for 13 new citizens, a luncheon with columnist Peggy Noonan, a formal dinner with a keynote, and breakout sessions in some of Philadelphia’s most iconic museums and historic sites.
Teaching America250 Awards
The Jack Miller Center is partnering with Carnegie Corporation of New York to create a new teaching awards program in celebration of the semiquincentennial, recognizing innovative, teacher-led projects across all 50 states.
These awards invite teachers to design compelling projects that engage students with the history of America’s founding and the ideals of the Declaration. Potential projects include field trips, assemblies, clubs, or community art for up to $5,000 in funding. Applications are open now through November 21, 2025, and winners will be announced in January of 2026.
America250 on Campus
The Jack Miller Center is proud to sponsor America250 campus programs nationwide, designed to spark campus-wide conversations and deepen engagement with the ideas of the Declaration
These programs, led by JMC scholars, include campus lectures, debates, and discussion groups centered around the Declaration of Independence’s principles.
America250 Commission
The Jack Miller Center is proud to be a supporting partner of the America250 commission— a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country.
This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, 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.
Quote from the Summit
"America’s 250th birthday would be a fitting goal for building a full-fledged civics movement that can unite left and right, reverse decades of intellectual neglect of America’s civic principles, and help millions of Americans to regain their faith in the country and in our fellow citizens."-- Hans Zeiger, President of the Jack Miller Center
Program Partners and Sponsors
We’re proud to work with partners and funders across the country to bring the pre-partisan principles of the Declaration into our classrooms, culture, and conversations.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, email Thomas Kelly, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, at tkelly@gojmc.org.
A250 in the News
News
Focus on civics for America’s 250th birthdayJack Miller Center President, Hans Zeiger, prepares us for America's 250th birthday in 2026 by encouraging Americans to rally around civics.