semiquincentennial
Michigan's hub for the 250th Anniversary
Welcome to America250MI, Michigan's hub for the nation's 250th birthday celebration, the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence! Here you'll find everything you need to join our community—Grant Portal resources, multilingual Declaration of Independence readings, Starting an America250MI committee in your own hometown, the Events Calendar with submission steps, DAR partnerships, Educational Resources, and much more—all in one place.
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it."
As America prepares to mark its 250th birthday, we pause to reflect on the profound principles rooted in the Declaration of Independence—principles that continue to define our nation and inspire our collective journey. In 1776, the rejection of a king and authoritarian rule ignited a movement centered on the revolutionary ideas that all men are created equal!
Forging a New, Free Nation
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
5 Guiding Themes
The America250MI program is built on the 5 Guiding Themes that serve as a framework for exploring Michigan's rich history and the narratives that shape our identity. These themes—Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, We the People, American Experiment, and Doing History—encourage us to dive into unheard stories, highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities and individuals throughout our state’s journey. By engaging with these themes, we not only celebrate our shared heritage but also foster a deeper understanding of the complexities in our past, paving the way for a better future. Together, we can ensure that all voices are recognized and valued in the Semiquincentennial Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence and America’s history.
The America250MI
Program Guide
Welcome to the America250MI Program Guide—your essential resource for Michigan’s celebration of the U.S. 250th birthday. It highlights our Five Guiding Themes, offers actionable participation ideas, showcases unique Michigan perspectives, and provides outreach resources to help you engage communities across the state.
Our Mission
America250MI will engage all Michiganders in exploring the legacy of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution (late 1700s), fostering collaboration to explore Michigan's history from that pivotal moment to today, and build a better future.
Our Vision
America250MI will unite Michigan communities to commemorate our shared heritage and significant contributions to the American story, uncovering unheard voices, fostering historical awareness, and inspiring lasting civic pride.
We Need You!
As we plan America250MI events and programming, we want to hear from you!
Complete the survey below to share with us the best ways we can support you or your organization over the next coming months. We hope to be a source of information, support, and connection for Michiganders everywhere as we begin to commemorate this momentous occasion.
America250MI is a program of the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center. Governor Gretchen Whitmer designated these two organizations as the official points of contact for the commemoration of the Semiquincentennial.
A Public Private Partnership
Celebrating Michigan
History!
"I am designating the directors of our private and our public statewide history organizations as Michigan’s official points of contact for the commemoration of the Michigan USA 250th Committee. Larry Wagenaar is the executive director of the Historical Society of Michigan and Sandra Clark is the director of the Michigan History Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
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I look forward to Michigan’s participation in this commemoration."
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Sincerely,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
Historical Society of Michigan
Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan's oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities and support for local history organizations. The society is a member-supported educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives no state-appropriated funding.
Learn more at hsmichigan.org.
Michigan History Center
The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan's stories through museums, historic sites, Michigan Historical Markers, heritage trails, archaeology and programming. The center, a part of the Department of Natural Resources, manages 11 museums statewide, museum and archaeology artifact collections and various educational programs. Learn more at
