North Dakota's Celebration of America's 250th

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On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through ND250, North Dakota joins this historic milestone with opportunities to celebrate and reflect on our state’s role in the American story, honor the contributions of all North Dakotans and Americans, and look ahead to the future we create for generations to come.

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“This milestone offers a meaningful opportunity for North Dakotans to come together and reflect on the values that shaped the United States into the greatest nation in the world. North Dakota is proud to play a leading role in honoring America’s 250th anniversary through education, remembrance and civic engagement, while paying tribute to the generations of exceptional North Dakotans who continue to define our state and contribute to the American success story."

-Kelly Armstrong, Governor

Countdown to America's 250th

“ND250 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the totality of North Dakotas history and what it means to be both an American and North Dakotan. We are excited about taking this opportunity to ask North Dakotans what their ancestors were doing 250 years ago, and what it means to them today to be an American.”

-Bill Peterson, SHSND Director and ND 250 Commission Chair

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Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Learn More about the Mission

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Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most intriguing figures in our nation’s history.

TR was a New Yorker by chance, and a North Dakotan by choice; he was an easterner and a westerner, but above all he was quintessentially American.

The TR Presidential Library & Museum will not be a box in the Badlands with artifacts under glass; the TR Library, like TR’s life, will be an experience. -Edward F.O'keefe

Grand Opening Information

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Grant Opportunities

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ND250 Community Initiatives Grant

The ND250 Grant Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Its mission is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States through inclusive community projects and events that inspire North Dakotans to renew and strengthen our democracy.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to non-profit organizations, as well as city, county, or tribal governments, for projects related to the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Eligible projects may include: Implementing tours, Hosting exhibits or public programs, Creating educational materials, Organizing travel to Bismarck to visit the ND250 exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center

For a complete list of allowable and unallowable expenses, please refer to the grant guidelines. Interested eligible organizations that have a project they wish to be considered for an award should thoroughly read the guidelines.

Submit an application: grants.nd.gov

Deadline: Application opens August 1, 2025, closes December 31, 2025.

Grant Guidelines

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Additional Grant Resources

Celebrate America!

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America’s Favorite Small Towns – Celebrating 250

From coast to coast, small towns define the character, charm, and community spirit of the United States. America’s Favorite Small Towns, presented by Parade and Steller, is a nationwide competition honoring towns with populations under 250,000 that make our country shine.

Register and submit now for a chance to win national recognition, media spotlight, and a July 4th celebration from Parade and the Steller travel platform.

This contest is open, however, no deadline has been provided.

Register today

Teen Takeover Contest

We invite North Dakota teens to submit an original artistic creation interpreting the North Dakota-related theme of "What will North Dakota look like 250 years in the future?” Finalists’ work will be displayed in spring 2026 at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. A grand champion will be awarded $150. There is no entry fee.

Deadline: 12/05/2025

Click here for more information

America's Field Trip Contest

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

Contest ends on 3/30/26

Submit an Entry

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Revolution Revisited: America at 250

As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents Revolution Revisited: America at 250, a chronicle of America's semi-quincentennial through the people, actions, and events that have shaped our country.

America at 250

Liberty Bell Replica on Exhibit

North Dakota’s Liberty Bell replica is now on view at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. After being stored in the state museum collections since 2015, the full-size bronze replica now offers visitors a connection to a significant symbol of American independence.

Click here for more information

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