Our Shared Future: 250
In 2026, the United States of America turns 250 years old. We are tasked with not only celebrating this historic event but also making it a time of reflection. It reminds us of the ideals the nation was founded on, and how we might help the country live up to them. The Smithsonian will celebrate the nation’s successes, contemplate the consequences of our history, commemorate the sacrifices of those who have worked to uphold the nation’s ideals, and ask Americans to commit to advancing our democracy and preserving our shared future.
The Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 thanks Signature Supporter Lilly Endowment Inc., with additional support from Target. Learn more about additional opportunities for support through The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future.
Highlights
Events will take place throughout 2025 and 2026 and include the following:
- The historic carousel on the National Mall will reopen to the public in spring 2026.
- The beloved annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival will expand into a larger celebration: Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, exploring festivals as a powerful tool of civic engagement and cultural exchange.
- The Smithsonian Castle will pause renovation to reopen to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in 2026. The space will feature a visitor’s center, café, shop, and a special exhibition titled, American Aspirations.
- Renovations at the National Air and Space Museum will be completed by July 1, 2026, in honor of the museum’s 50th anniversary.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture will celebrate its tenth anniversary in September 2026, complete with a special block party celebration.
- The Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden and Plaza revitalization will be complete and open to the public in October 2026.
Additional programs and activities at the Smithsonian and around the country will be announced here!
Featured Exhibitions
Explore exhibitions from across the Smithsonian that help tell the American story. More exhibitions to be announced!
Collections and Stories
This is just a small selection of stories and collections that explore the American experience.
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Explore America
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Revolution
Smithsonian Snapshot
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational American document.
National Museum of American History
Printing the Declaration of Independence
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Uncle Sam: The Man and the Meme
Smithsonian Snapshot
An Eloquent Argument
“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense...”—Thomas Paine
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
A Vote, A Voice
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
The Statue of Liberty: Symbol for a Nation
Sidedoor Podcast
Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, and White Lies
Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. At least that's what we were taught in school.
Sidedoor Podcast
Everybody Pledge Now
Why do we pledge allegiance to the flag? Learn the history behind this everyday occurrence on Sidedoor.
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
America's National Parks: Stewardship and Wonder
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Music
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
American Superheroes
Smithsonian Collection Spotlight
Let's Go to the Movies
Sidedoor Podcast
Space Jocks & Moon Rocks
Sidedoor joins forces with the National Air and Space Museum to explore the mysteries of lunar science.
Resources
Smithsonian Education
Social Studies and Civics Educator Resources
Smithsonian Education
Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program
Smithsonian Science
Participatory Science in Your State
Office of Digital & Innovation
Revolution Crossroads
Smithsonian Learning Lab
Cultivating Learning: Celebrating America at 250
More to Explore
Smithsonian Magazine
America’s 250th Anniversary Special Report
U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission
America250
Smithsonian in Your Community
The Smithsonian comes to you! View the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service tour schedule to find exhibitions in your community. Or visit one of our 200+ Affiliates in nearly every state.
A Look Back at the Bicentennial
The "Bicentennial Era" was a series of observances, celebrations, and commemorations leading up to the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on Sunday, July 4, 1976. The Smithsonian celebrated the 200th Fourth of July with a twelve-week Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife, a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, and the opening of the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall on July 1, 1976.
About
Our Shared Future: 250 spans the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, 14 education & research centers, the National Zoo, and over 200 Smithsonian Affiliates.
Pan-institutional leadership is provided by:
- Kevin Gover, Under Secretary for Museums and Culture
- Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education
- Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects
- Cliff Murphy, Director of the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
- Alison Leithner, Executive Director of Smithsonian Enterprises
- Becky Kobberod, Head of Digital Transformation
For general inquiries, please reach out to SI-250@si.edu.
For media inquiries, please reach out to smithsonianmedia@si.edu.