Resources
Helping our communities plan an inclusive and engaging commemoration
Out of Many, ONE
A coordinated exploration of the American experience through objects, images, and artwork from across Washington State.
Museums are invited to partner with their communities to identify and exhibit an object, image, or artwork from their collection that reflects the American experience. The program is designed to help participating organizations engage with the public on Washington’s America250 themes, generate enthusiasm for local history, and broaden their audiences for future programming.
Resource Kit for Teachers
The Resource Kit for Teachers is a curated set of databases, collections, primary and secondary source documents and ephemera, and classroom activities on four topics: Pacific Northwest Treaties, the Washington State Constitution, the Revolutionary War, and the Declaration of Independence. You will also find curated “quick-guides” for each of these topics that highlight a few items from each set of materials with guiding questions, state standards, introductions to the sources, and areas for further research.
To truly make this a statewide observance, we hope to have partners from every community in Washington. Partners will be key to ensuring all Washingtonians are aware of the 250th and are able to commemorate it in their local community.
Moments That Made US
Washington State is collaborating with several western states to bring you a free, print-on-demand exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through moments in our history that have defined their meaning. The exhibit features national moments with additional panels featuring moments from the Pacific Northwest that can be used in many combinations to fit your display space.
Marketing Materials
To use the Washington State America’s 250th logo and any of our marketing materials, you must first become an official partner and then sign the logo use agreement.
Additional Tools
250th Anniversary Program Handbook
A resource from the American Assocation for State and Local History (AASLH) featuring more than 30 low-cost program ideas specifically geared towards smaller organizations to provide them with practical program suggestions they can use in their planning for the Semiquincentennial.
Making History at 250
The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial– A resource from the American Assocation for State and Local History (AASLH) designed to encourage 250th anniversary programming that addresses the full sweep of our nation’s history and its relevance to present concerns.
Media Literacy Resources for Classrooms
A collection of resources for teaching and learning about media literacy from Common Sense
Lessons for Elementary Teachers
The Civic Learning Council invites elementary school teachers to engage their students in America's 250th with a set of activities to explore symbols of the nation and their community working with their local museum or cultural center.
Community Museums of Service
The National Museum and Center for Service is providing free tools and resources to support schools, museums and communities in creating their own exhibitions and events celebrating and inspiring the American spirit of service.
For Students
America's Field Trip
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide scholastic contest encouraging students to reflect on the prompt “What does America mean to you?” Awardees from three grade level categories will receive free travel and lodging for a 3-day, 2-night trip to a select historical or cultural site.
The 2025 contest is closed, but one more round will open in 2026!
Themes & Objectives
Washington’s framework for the 250th is centered around three themes: We the People, Power of Place, and Sharing History, and six outcomes designed to support inclusive history practices and civic participation.
