WASHINGTON STATE
250 Years of Independence: Connecting Washingtonians to Their Roots
The year 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and with it, nationwide efforts to thoughtfully reflect on our past, present, and future.
In Washington, we are striving to plan a commemoration that will help all Washingtonians feel more connected to their history and to gain a better understanding of the foundational principles, structure, and purpose of our democratic system. This commemoration will also recognize the sovereignty of Tribal Nations as well as their presence and impact, since time immemorial, on the land that is now Washington.
We look forward to this once-in-a-generation opportunity to focus on the importance of history, foster new partnerships in our communities, and invest in resources for local history organizations to build capacity into the future.
Join us in commemorating America's 250th in 2026
Each week, we’ll share a curated list of events that represent moments in Washington state where people have exercised, protected, or fought for their rights to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
As a part of America’s 250th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society is offering grants to support public engagement and access to history.
This video explores how geography and place shape Washington communities and stories, giving Washingtonians a shared sense of identity and community.
This video explores the founding principles of liberty, equality and democracy, as well as the importance of Tribal sovereignty, and what they mean to Washingtonians.
Key Dates for 2026
June 14
Day of Service
July 4
Independence Day
August 8
Museum Day
September 17
Day of Civic Engagement
Plan activities in your community to support civic participation and education.
LATEST UPDATES
Discover how we’re connecting Washingtonians to their rich history, celebrating Tribal Nations’ sovereignty, and fostering community partnerships. Learn about our plans to invest in local history organizations and make history accessible for future generations.
Category: This Week in Washington History
