Celebrate America's
250th Birthday in Kansas!

Kansas is ready to celebrate! Join the Sunflower State as we host various events, festivals, and celebrations around the state, even before the official United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. Stay tuned, as this list of events will only grow as the days get closer to 2026!

Two Lights for Tomorrow

Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred on the overnight of April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow commemorates that famous ride and uses…

Two Lights - Participating Communities

Emporia

Home of the first Veterans Day Parade!

Wichita

Wichita was once a wild cowtown!

Bel Aire

Bel Aire, KS is a small community just north of Wichita!

Haysville

Haysville is a beautiful community just south of Wichita!

Patriots Marker Dedication

Patriots Marker - Participating Communities

Summer Professional Development

Whatever your budget and your interests, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has a professional development opportunity for you. Study with world-renowned scholars, connect with other teachers from across the United States, and reinvigorate your enthusiasm for teaching history.

America's Field Trip

Submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the…

Teaching with Primary Sources

Teaching with Primary Sources

Community Event Schedules

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Hutchinson Public Library in Hutchinson, Kansas
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.: El Quartelejo Museum in Scott City, Kansas
Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence, Kansas
Tuesday, April 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Girard Public Library in Girard, Kansas