Moments That Made Us
A free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition for every community
What is Moments That Made US?
On July 4, 2026, the nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Moments That Made US is a free, customizable, 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. It does so in a user-friendly format that organizations can adapt, afford, and make their own.
This commemoration is a chance for every community, large or small, to come together with a shared purpose in reflecting on the past and building stronger, more connected communities in the future. Moments That Made US will ensure that every interested institution can access compelling content in 2026.
How will it work?
Developed through a multi-state collaboration, this exhibition will feature 21 ready-to-use panels. It includes one introductory panel, five “thematic” panels, and three “historic moments” panels that represent each theme. The panels will be modular, so organizations can choose to display some or all of the provided panels, and adding local content is optional.
The files will be free to use, and the only out-of-pocket cost will be printing and mounting. This exhibition is a meaningful way for museums, archives, cultural centers, libraries, community centers, schools, and municipal buildings to engage with America’s 250th anniversary.
Exhibition Flow
What are the themes?
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
The United States was founded on the principle of individual liberty. How have Americans exercised these inalienable rights throughout history, and how has that impacted the American identity?
Consent of the governed
From the moment the Founders challenged the injustices of British rule, civic engagement has shaped the course of our nation. How have multiple generations of civic participation influenced American democracy?
Created equal
Our pursuit of civil rights for all continues as we work toward a more perfect union. Who has been included and who has been excluded in “We the people” throughout history?
Free and Independent States
The power given to the states was designed to further democratize the nation and diffuse the power of the executive. How have the identities and priorities of each state affected the development of our nation?
We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor
The work of democracy is continuous. What moments from our past can help us understand how to build a stronger, more just future for all?
How Do I Host Moments That Made US?
Start by signing up and thinking about how the themes resonate with your community’s history. Use the QR/link below to indicate your interest and receive updates as the project develops. In the meantime, consider what local stories you might want to tell and what items from your collection you might want to feature to explore the themes.
We’ll release an outline of the ready-to-use materials as well as a detailed “how-to” guide fall 2025, and the finished project files will be available early 2026.
Let us Know You're Interested
Sign up to receive updates about Moments that Made US! We’ll make sure you get the latest information and are connected with your statewide partner.
Connect With Your Statewide Partner
See below to learn who is distributing Moments That Made US in your state to start coordinating and share your interest with them.
Get the Details
Available in fall 2025, we’ll release a detailed “how to” guide that will include content outlines, materials specs, and basic project instructions.
Plan Your Exhibition
Using the detailed “how to” guide, you’ll see what topics the ready-to-use panels will cover and will be able to start deciding how many panels you want to display (or will have room for!) and whether you want to add local content.
Download the Digital Kit
Available in early 2026, access the ready-to-use files, templates for customization, and additional customization guidance from your statewide partner.
Customize (optional)
Tell your local stories by using the blank template to add your own text, photos, or even QR-linked oral histories. If your organization has a collection, we’ll provide ideas for objects you might exhibit alongside the panels.
Print or Pixel
Bring it to life in your space by printing the files as posters, foam-core panels, or vinyl banners in whatever size/scale works for you. Or, go digital by displaying the files on monitors or setting up a touchscreen kiosk.
Launch and Engage
Host an opening program, invite student field trips, or spark community conversations using the included discussion and program tips.
Thank You to Our Statewide Partners
Our statewide partners are committed to facilitating this opportunity in their state by helping with distribution of the files and being their state’s point-of-contact for questions or inquiries from the public.
We continue to welcome new state partners. Any community in any state can access the ready-to-use content and create their own customizations.
Let Us Know You're Interested
Make the nation’s 250-year journey part of your community’s story—without blowing the budget. Sign up to receive updates about the Moments that Made US print-on-demand exhibition!
More information coming soon!
