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Celebrate America250

Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What is America250?

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.

As part of this initiative, The Freedom Center is honored to take part and invites the University of Arizona community to be a part of the biggest birthday celebration in the country!

 

Details on future Celebrate America250 Events will be posted here as they are confirmed!

In the meantime...

The Museum of Democracy is free and open to the public! A NEW exhibit has arrived, featuring the Museum of Democracy "Pathway to the Presidency: Road to the White House," and is NOW on display at the U of A Campus Store lower level!

Find the exhibit on the lower level of the University of Arizona Campus Bookstore.

Museum of Democracy Photos
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Freedom Center Museum of Democracy Homeschool Tour (7)
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Freedom Center Museum of Democracy Homeschool Tour (12)

Current Museum of Democracy Exhibit

Explore the Path to the Presidency!

Pathway to the American Presidency: Road to the White House

Join us for guided and self-guided tours of the Museum of Democracy exhibit and discover the fascinating history, challenges, and triumphs of the pathway to the presidency from the early years through to today! Whether you’re a student, educator, adult visitor, or member of the public, this is a unique opportunity to engage with democracy’s past and present.

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“This new exhibit brings our country’s history to life right here in the heart of the U of A campus. This is an invitation to every student, faculty, staff, and community member to see how they are a part of the American story and our future. By placing this experience at the center of campus life, we’re not only honoring our heritage, we're sparking the kind of civic curiosity and engagement that defines a great university dedicated to remembering our past. Over the next year, as the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, we invite the campus and broader community to seize this opportunity and explore the pathway to the presidency.”

Dr. Mary RigdonFreedom Center Director, Associate Professor of Political Economy and Moral Science
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“This exhibit invites us to reflect on the presidency not as a distant institution, but as a mirror of the public’s evolving values, hopes, and debates. One of my favorite features is the presidential podium—an open invitation for young dreamers to physically step into the role of a national leader. It’s a reminder that the future of our democracy lies in the imagination and engagement of the next generation. This exhibit offers our community a front row seat to the history and present day evolution of democratic leadership and how we as citizens have refined it over 250 years.”

Dr. Saura MasconaleFreedom Center Associate Director, Assistant Professor of Political Economy and Moral Science, and affiliated faculty in the James E. Rogers College of Law

Open Self-Guided Tours

Explore the exhibits at your own pace with expert-guided tours and take part in discussions that challenge and inspire. Perfect for individuals, groups, and those looking to deepen their understanding of the history of the voices of our democracy. 

Click here for campus store hours

Guided Tours

Are you seeking engaging learning opportunities? Do you want to enrich your curriculum? We offer tailored classroom visits and special activities designed to enhance your students’ learning experience. Reach out today to create a personally curated experience with our tour guide.

Contact mariahclark@arizona.edu for a tour!

About Museum of Democracy

The Wright Family collection is the foundation for the Museum of Democracy. One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collections of historical and political campaign memorabilia, it consists of over a million-plus objects, amassed over four decades. Unsurpassed in quality and quantity, it covers all the major presidential campaigns―including every president from Washington to Biden. The collection also features material from major social causes and movements pertaining to freedom and democracy, reflecting the history of politics and political reform in America as well as central civil rights issues such as women’s rights and social justice.

Now on Display "Pathway to the Presidency: Road to the White House"

Now on display! A new exhibit explores the history of American democracy through the creative campaign tools that shaped it—flags, posters, parade lanterns, stickers, games, and more. These artifacts offer a vivid look at how presidential candidates have communicated their messages and mobilized support from the era of George Washington to the present day.

The exhibit is also made possible through a grant from the Arizona Board of Regents and features more pieces from the Wright Family Collection, the foundation of the Museum of Democracy. As the largest and most comprehensive collection of political and campaign memorabilia in the country, it also highlights major social and political movements, including women’s rights and civil rights, offering a broader reflection on the evolving story of freedom and reform in the United States.

Visit the lower level of the campus store NOW to see the exhibit.