America at 250: Reflecting on Our Past, Shaping Our Future
Princeton holds a profound place in American history, and for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, Princeton Public Library is bringing the community together to explore our shared heritage. We invite you to connect, reflect and experience the nation’s 250th anniversary through an engaging array of initiatives for all ages. Attend programs and interactive exhibitions. Delve into curated booklists and research resources. Visit local museums and parks to immerse yourself in the very landscapes where history unfolded. And share your own piece of the narrative through our community oral history project, ensuring Princeton’s diverse voices are preserved for generations to come.
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Upcoming Programs
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Voices of the 250th
In observance of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, and as part of its award for the “Rev250: Examining the Semiquincentennial through a Jersey Lens” grant program, sponsored by the the New Jersey State Library and RevolutionNJ, the Voices of Princeton oral history initiative is collecting short-form interviews relating to the U.S. Semiquincentennial and its commemoration in Princeton and throughout the U.S. “Voices of the 250th: An Oral History of Revolutionary Commemoration” aims to connect Princeton’s history as a major landmark of the Revolutionary War to this moment in our national and local history by documenting the thoughts, feelings and attitudes of those who are living through it.
Community members are invited to share their recollections of the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, their observations on the efforts to observe the 250th locally or beyond Princeton, and their hopes and aspirations for the future of the country. To connect with library staff involved with the project, write to voices@princetonlibrary.org or click the button to fill out the form and schedule a time to share an interview.
The grant project, “Listening for History: Resources for Engagement with the Voices of Princeton Initiative,” also expands access and engagement through story collecting kits, improved transcription tools, a new podcast series, and public listening stations that will be accessible later this summer at the library, Historical Society of Princeton, Morven Museum & Garden and Arts Council of Princeton. These enhancements aim to preserve community history while fostering deeper reflection and participation across generations in Princeton.
“Voices of the 250th: An Oral History of Revolutionary Commemoration” is funded by a grant from the New Jersey State Library’s REV 250: Examining the Semiquincentennial through a Jersey Lens – an opportunity for public libraries to celebrate New Jersey’s contributions and place in history.
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Exhibitions
As part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the library is hosting a series of exhibitions that explore the nation’s history, ideals and identity from national, state and local perspectives. Together, the three exhibitions offer a journey from the founding ideals of the nation to the lived experiences of its people and the landscapes that continue to shape its story.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy (December, 2025 to January, 2026)
The series begins with “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy”, a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute that examinesd the enduring influence of the Declaration of Independence. Through primary source materials, the exhibition traces how the Declaration’s revolutionary ideals inspires movements for equality, self-determination and democracy in the United States and around the world. The contents of this exhibition can be viewed online.
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now (June, 2026)
The focus then shifts closer to home with “Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then and Now”, a traveling exhibition from RevolutionNJ that explores New Jersey’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary era through the stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary choices. More information about this exhibition can be found in this digital brochure.
Landscapes and Landmarks: America at 250 (July to September, 2026)
The series concludes with “Landscapes and Landmarks: America at 250” (July–September, 2026), a juried exhibition presented in partnership with the Princeton Photography Club. Featuring the work of local photographers, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the places that define the American experience, capturing the nation’s natural beauty, historic sites and cultural landmarks.
Additional Online Exhibits
- NJ250: State History through Three Constitutions (New Jersey State Library)
- Nursery of Rebellion (Princeton University Library)
- Banners of Liberty (Museum of the American Revolution)
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Book Lists and Additional Resources
Museum Passes
Gain a deeper understanding of the American Revolution through printable museum passes available with your Princeton Public Library card.
- Morven Museum & Garden
- Museum of the American Revolution
- National Constitution Center
- Washington Crossing Historic Park
Local institutions hosting events related to the 250th:
- America’s 250th- Historical Society of Princeton
- 250th Celebration- Morven Museum & Garden
- Experience the Battle of Princeton- Princeton Battlefield Society
- 1776 to Now- Experience Princeton
- Re-Visioning America- Princeton Humanities Initiative
- Mercer 250th- County of Mercer
Initiatives throughout the state and nationally:
Additional resources:
- National Archives Overview of the American Revolution
- Library of Congress Digital Collection of primary source materials associated with the American Revolution era (1763-1783)
- New Jersey in the Revolution, NJ State Library
- Princeton Battlefield Society
Thank you to our dedicated community partners for their vital contributions to the America at 250 initiative:
- Historical Society of Princeton
- Morven Museum & Garden
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Princeton University Humanities Council
- Princeton University Department of African American Studies
- Princeton University Department of History
- Princeton University Press
- Labyrinth Books
- Nassau Presbyterian Church
- Paul Robeson House of Princeton
- Arts Council of Princeton
- Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society
- Princeton Photography Club
- Gilder Lehrman Institute
- RevolutionNJ
Public Humanities content is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.