America250MI, Michigan's Committee for the United States Semiquincentennial, was established by Governor Whitmer in 2020 to encourage, advance, and foster the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution's role in Michigan's history, and the impact these, and other historic events had on the people of Michigan’s past, present, and future. In preparing for this commemoration, the America250MI Committee seeks to generate a spirit of collaboration across the state through municipalities, American Indian tribes, cultural and civic organizations, libraries, educational institutions, and community groups. It is our hope that those networks will embrace the entirety of the nation's story, recognizing the importance of good, bad, and ambivalent histories, while setting the stage to foster narratives that highlight uncovered voices and support carefully considered programs, events, and exhibits.
For more information on the America250 national commemoration, please read our Program Guide or visit AASLH.org/250
What is America250MI?
America250MI 5 Guiding Themes*
Unfinished Revolutions
The American Revolution separated the American government from Great Britain in order to form a free and unified nation. Despite this, Michigan’s people have struggled for liberty and freedom before, during, and after the American Revolution. Michigan has a history of its peoples fighting for freedom, recognition, and respect for basic human rights, whether it was along the Underground Railroad, in movements for civil and labor rights, or part of the continued struggle of Indigenous peoples to reclaim their cultural heritage and land. “Revolutions” or movements for freedom, recognition, and rights have never ceased and continue to this day.
Power of Place
Place is a powerful concept that allows us to view the past through the geographic, geologic, and physical environment while also being aware of the political, economic, historic, cultural, and emotional connections to it. It has become human nature to identify ourselves by place, like our region, state, county, city, or nearby geographical landmarks. As children, Michiganders are even taught to use their hands (mittens) to represent a Michigan “map.” Michigan has become the physical place we know today through wars and the establishment of treaties, ordinances, and statehood. Understanding past and present connections to place can inform current and future challenges.
We the People
​Since the nation’s founding, definitions of “We the people,” the boundaries of national belonging, and the very nature of citizenship have changed. Being American today means something different than it did 250 years ago. “We” are American, but we also identify with different ethnicities, races, faiths, regions, and languages. Michigan is made up of more than 10 million unique people of different races, cultures, languages, ethnicities, religions, and points of view. The term "Michigander" is defined as “a native or inhabitant of Michigan.” However, throughout Michigan’s past, many people have been excluded and not welcome to consider themselves Michiganders because of founding institutional documents and laws. Every generation is an opportunity to advocate for belonging.
American Experiment
The leaders of the past did not have all the answers. Though their government based on democracy and a rights-based constitution was innovative, they knew the nation was an experiment. When we look at the founding documents of our country and our state, we can reflect on those excluded from the original American Experiment. There were intentional omissions of tribes, people of color, women, and immigrants. Now is our opportunity to reconsider the origins of our government, democratic institutions, and broader civic life and reflect on the ways we have changed them over time. Our participation is key to shape the nation during this continuing American experiment.
Doing History
As those who love, teach, preserve, or make history, we must work together with our communities to interact with Michigan’s past. Now is the time to openly engage our communities in conversations about what history is, how it is done, and why it matters. By being open and transparent to help communities understand the methods, sources, evidence, and perspectives that influence history, we can inform how community members can engage with history in their own lives and how history can speak to the current challenges our communities face.
*Adapted from the AASLH Field Guide.
​
America250MI's Strategic Goals
-
Awareness - Discover and commemorate Michigan's Revolutionary Era
(Late 1700s), and its significant people, places, and events. -
Promotion - Support and promote local 250th anniversary commemorative events, arts, preservation, heritage tourism, and educational programming by telling Michigan's stories from many points of view.
-
Support Grants - Our grants will support historical organizations that undertake initiatives to interpret, preserve, and explore Michigan's rich and diverse history, foster collaboration, and enhance accessibility to its impact on all communities.
​