Independent historical/civic site. Not official and not affiliated with America250, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, or the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
76

The Spirit of ’76

An independent historical and civic guide to America’s 250th anniversary
Schools

America 250 ideas for schools

  • Student reading of the Declaration.
  • Essay contest: “What should civic responsibility mean in 2026?”
  • Poster contest on 1776–2026.
  • Primary-source lab using Library of Congress materials.
  • Local history project with nearby cemeteries, museums, and archives.
  • Mock committee to revise public grievances into modern civic language.

Suggested grade bands

LevelApproach
ElementarySymbols, maps, community helpers, simple timeline.
Middle schoolDeclaration structure, causes of Revolution, local history.
High schoolPrimary-source analysis, constitutional development, debates over rights.