America250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This nationwide initiative invites communities to reflect on the nation’s history, celebrate its achievements, and explore the diverse stories that shape the American experience. At the Library of the Chathams, America250 will feature special events, exhibits, and programs that connect the past to the present and inspire conversations about the future.
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America250 Programs & Events
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America250 Exhibits
- Chatham 250 Interactive Exhibit (in-person) – Come and join Chatham’s celebration of our country’s 250th birthday with a fun, interactive exhibit provided by the Chatham Historical Society!
You can try your U.S. trivia knowledge at the buzzer boards set up in our foyer or participate in the write-in contest deciding America’s most popular representative symbol.
- NJ250: State History through Three Constitutions (virtual) – This online exhibition explores our state’s constitutions and traces their changes over time. Each constitution reflects how New Jersey balanced local needs with national ideals and how ideas of freedom, rights, and representation evolved.
- Exhibition: Revolutionary Lives (in-person) – This traveling exhibition of 7 double-sided panels explores the tumultuous period of the American Revolution through the stories of everyday people under extraordinary circumstances. They urge us to consider how their stories echo through time, and what we can do to fulfill the promises and ideals of the Revolution. presented in partnership with the Chatham Township Historical Society.
- Our American Journey (in-person) – Explore our shared history. Presented with Chatham Historical Society and Chatham Township Historical Society
Local America 250 Websites & Events
- Chatham Borough 250th Events – Events in and around Chatham Borough for America’s 250th
- MorrisCounty250.org – Celebrating 250 Years of Revolutionary History in Morris County
- Morris County 250th Anniversary Coloring & Activity Book – A creative new way for families, students and residents to explore the county’s Revolutionary War roots.
- Revolution NJ – RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the Crossroads of the American Revolution Assoc. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.
- Revolution NJ – Events – List of events, programs, and commemorations related to New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution and the America250 celebration.
- Saluting New Jersey’s Role in the American Revolution – Highlights New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution and promotes historic sites, stories, and events connected to its Revolutionary War heritage and the upcoming 250th anniversary.
- Crossroads of the American Revolution – Resource hub for New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history that supports America250 by promoting sites, stories, and programs tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- Revolutionary War New Jersey – Guide to Sites – A guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites, history, and events, helping visitors explore the state’s role in the American Revolution.
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Chatham250 Reading List – Put together by Library of the Chathams staff
