Hey Alabama,

Let’s Celebrate!

Countdown to July 4, 2026


YEARS	MONTHS	DAYS

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Hey Alabama, Let’s Celebrate!

Countdown to July 4, 2026


YEARS	MONTHS	DAYS

View the Timeline

A message from America250AL at American Village

Count Me In!

Get Involved

How are You Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in Your Town?

About

What is America250?

On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of our Nation.

Learn more about the National Initiative

“From Concord Bridge in 1775 to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 and beyond, the quest for liberty has resonated through the generations.”

Tom Walker, Founder and President Emeritus, American Village

One Nation. Many Stories.

Your story, a part of America’s rich tapestry, joins diverse voices responding to America’s Invitation. Your reflections on our past, present, and future contribute to the creation of history’s most inclusive commemoration.

Gold Medalist Jennifer Chandler Shares Her Story

See the Video

See All the Videos Share Your Story

Timeline

View the Timeline Leading up to
July 4, 2026

View the Timeline

Drafting the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson’s original draft included among it’s grievances, a condemnation of slavery that was later removed. Read the original draft and compare it to the actual Declaration.

Features

Every month we add new recipes, books, podcasts, and patriots to our features page. Please check back frequently for the latest features.

Featured Patriots

The Father of our Country, George Washington

Featured Books

“American Tempest: How the Boston Tea Party Sparked a Revolution” by Harlowe Giles Unger

Featured Podcasts

Phillis Wheatley: The Enslaved Poet Who Met with George Washington AND the King of England

Featured Recipes

Martha’s Great Cake Recipe

Educate. Engage. Unite.

Teacher Lesson Plans, Podcasts, Webinars, and other educational materials

Educational Materials

Historical lesson plans for teachers

Honor our Veterans

Learn more about the veterans who served our country

Videos

Historical videos about the American Revolution

Podcasts

Historical podcasts about the American Revolution

History Map

What Part Did The American Revolution Play In Alabama?

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On this day in 1757, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de

On this day in 1757, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette was born in France. General Lafayette played a crucial role in the American Revolution as a young French citizen who supported the Colonies' fight for independence from Great Britain. He arrived in America in 1777 and quickly became a trusted aide to General George Washington. His leadership and military skills were helpful in several key battles during the war, including the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, which was decisive in securing American independence. Lafayette also helped secure crucial support from France, including military assistance and financial aid. He returned to the United States in 1824-25 to visit and see how his adopted country had flourished since he helped to win their independence! Next year, Alabama and the other states that he visited 200 years ago are commemorating his visit with an anniversary tour through the sites Lafayette visited. Please click on our story today to learn more about General Lafayette!

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day 250 years ago, the First Continental C

On this day 250 years ago, the First Continental Congress met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia. This meeting of 12 of the colonies (no Georgia delegates) was important because it represented their first organized effort to resist British rule and also set the groundwork for a united front in their quest for more independence. The meeting was a huge step toward bringing the colonies together. Delegates gathered to discuss a unified response to British policies, particularly the Intolerable Acts, which were seen as incredibly harsh measures against Massachusetts following the Boston Tea Party. The delegates coordinated a collective response, establishing the Continental Association, which boycotted several British goods. They also drafted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, which outlined their objections to British policies and sought to address grievances through peaceful means. This meeting set the stage for future collaboration among the colonies. Congress demonstrated that the colonies could work together and eventually led to the Second Continental Congress, which was the national government under the Articles of Confederation during the Revolutionary War. Please click on our story today to learn more about the First continental Congress!

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1783, The Treaty of Paris ratified

On this day in 1783, The Treaty of Paris ratified the independence of the United States of America. Canada remained part of Great Britain. The United States was now officially its’ own nation. Please click on our story today to learn more about the Treaty of Paris.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day 250 years ago, the Powder Alarm occurr

On this day 250 years ago, the Powder Alarm occurred in Worcester, Massachusetts when British General Thomas Gage was rumored to be sending British troops out to confiscate gunpowder the colonists had stored there. Local militia and townspeople, reacting to the rumor Gage’s men were on their way, rushed to Worcester to protect the powder. The panic spread quickly, and many other towns in the region sent their militias, readying themselves for a possible confrontation. It turned out to be a false alarm. The British did not intend to seize the gunpowder at that time, but the event highlighted the growing distrust and the readiness of the colonies to resist British actions. Please click on our story today to learn more about the Powder Alarm!

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1776, General Washington’s army m

On this day in 1776, General Washington’s army miraculously escaped Long Island and certain defeat and lived to fight another day. The Revolutionary War may have ended in August of 1776 had it not been for a risky retreat by General Washington and a dense fog masking their escape to Manhattan Island with 9,000 Continental soldiers and sailors. The indispensable men of General John Glover’s Marblehead

Regiment rowed the boats back and forth during the night and early morning, taking Washington’s Army to a safer location on Manhattan Island. Incredibly dense fog also masked the Continental Army’s movements from the British and they lived to fight another day and for another five years! Please click on our story today for the story of this miraculous escape.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1963, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Ki

On this day in 1963, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC in front of 250,000 people who were gathered for the “March On Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” Dr. King challenged the country to “rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” His speech and the reaction to it helped to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Please click on our story today for the story of one of the greatest speeches in US History.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd #MLK #MLKJr #MartinLutherKingJr #IHaveADream

On this day in 1776, the British army is victoriou

On this day in 1776, the British army is victorious in the Battle of Long Island, the biggest battle of the war. Americans were outnumbered two to one in this battle and suffered 2,000 casualties to the British Army’s 388. New York City would be held by the British for the remainder of the war. Washington’s Army was resoundingly beaten and surrounded and it appeared the war would soon be over. British General Howe simply needed to attack and Washington could only surrender or retreat, which seemed impossible. Please click on our story today to learn more about the battle.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1794, President George Washington d

On this day in 1794, President George Washington decided to intervene in the Whiskey Rebellion. He wrote to Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee and declared his intent to put down the "insurgents,” whom he felt were a direct challenge to the government. The grain farmers were refusing to pay a federal tax on their distilleries. Please click on our story today to read Washington’s letter to Lee.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1814, Dolley Madison saved a Gilber

On this day in 1814, Dolley Madison saved a Gilbert Stuart painting of General Washington from being destroyed by the British as they attacked Washington DC. The British had taken the city of Washington during the War of 1812 and were burning important buildings, including the Capitol and the White House. Before evacuating the White House, First Lady Dolley Madison instructed that the painting be taken down and saved if possible. Please click on our story today to learn more about the actions of one of our greatest First Ladies! Pictured here is Nancy Estes, our own Dolley Madison with a replica portrait of Washington!

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1776, 15,000 British and Hessian so

On this day in 1776, 15,000 British and Hessian soldiers, landed on Long Island, New York at Denyse’s Ferry. This action was the first step in what would come to be known as the Battle of Brooklyn or Brooklyn Heights or the Battle of Long Island. This was a major battle in the American Revolution and we will be following the events of it in the coming days. Please click on our story today to learn more about this event.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1779, Light Horse Harry Lee storme

On this day in 1779, Light Horse Harry Lee stormed Paulus Hook, New Jersey in a nighttime raid. The raid, which included taking over 150 British prisoners, led to the British losing control over New Jersey and Lee being awarded a medal from the Continental Congress. Please click on our story today to read more about the life of Henry Lee.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1780, General Francis Marion(Swamp

On this day in 1780, General Francis Marion(Swamp Fox) defeated Loyalists at Parker’s Ferry, South Carolina. He and his militia troops ambushed Loyalist forces there. The victory was complete for Marion and the militia, as they only lost one man killed and three wounded. The British lost almost 200 troops in the battle and several horses, which helped lead to their defeat at the Battle of Eutaw Springs nine days later. Please click on our story today to learn more about this battle.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanhistory #americanvillage #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1676, King Philip’s War (First In

On this day in 1676, King Philip’s War (First Indian War) ended. It is known as America’s most devastating war, due to the fact that one in ten soldiers on each side were killed and a tremendous amount of destruction occurred on both sides. The war took place in New England from 1675 to 1676. Wampanoag Chief Metacom and other tribes were fighting back against English aggression and the continued taking of Native American property. Over 4800 casualties occurred during the conflict, which ended with Chief Metacom’s death and the enslavement of hundreds of Native Americans. Please click on our story today to learn more about this conflict.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On this day in 1776, London learned about the Decl

On this day in 1776, London learned about the Declaration of Independence through two letters by General William Howe to Lord George Germain. Howe wrote that “I am informed that the Continental Congress have declared the United Colonies free and independent States.” The British public learned of the news on August 17th, when the story and the Declaration were reprinted in the London Chronicle. Many British citizens were angry at the colonists for this betrayal. Please click on our story today to learn more about the arrival of the Declaration in England.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On This Day in 1742, Major-General General Nathana

On This Day in 1742, Major-General General Nathanael Greene was born. He was a brilliant tactician and strategist and well respected by his men and other commanders in the army, especially General George Washington, who said of Greene that he was “ a Gentleman in whom I place the most entire confidence.” General Greene was in command in the Southern area of the Revolutionary War and was instrumental in ending the British occupation there and bringing about the end of the war in 1781. Please click on our story today to learn more about General Greene.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #americanvillage #americanhistory #Semiquincentennial #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd

On This Day in 1945, the United States detonated t

On This Day in 1945, the United States detonated the first atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima. The target of Hiroshima, as a military-industrial city, was to destroy the Japanese ability to continue to wage war and bring an end to WWII. President Truman also believed that using the atomic bomb would be a better alternative to a US invasion of the mainland of Japan, which was preparing for such an assault. 145,000 Japanese were killed by the blast. Please click on our story today to learn more about this event.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #montevallo #Alabama #HistoryNerd #ThisDayInHistory #OnThisDay #Semiquincentennial #americanhistory #americanvillage

The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cem

The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery will host a Wreath Laying ceremony commemorating the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday August 14th, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. More than 400,000 U.S. service members were killed in battle in WWII. More than 5,200 of our fellow Alabamians were either killed in action or died in brutal captivity. The Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo is the final resting place for many World War II Veterans. This ceremony is open to the public.

On This Day in 1790, the United States Coast Guard

On This Day in 1790, the United States Coast Guard was born. Congress authorized 10 ships to be constructed to enforce trade and taxation laws and to prevent smuggling along the coastal area of the United States. The group was first known as the Revenue Marine and was the brainchild of Alexander Hamilton. The title of Coast Guard was given in 1915 by President Wilson. We thank the members of the Coast Guard and their families for their service today and every day and wish them a Happy Birthday!
Semper Paratus!

Please click on our story today to learn more about the Coast Guard.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #HistoryNerd #ThisDayInHistory #OnThisDay #Semiquincentennial #americanhistory #americanvillage #Alabama #montevallo

On This Day in 1776, members of the 2nd Continenta

On This Day in 1776, members of the 2nd Continental Congress signed the copy of the Declaration of Independence that we see in the National Archives today. John Hancock signed in the middle and large because he was the President of the Congress and several others signed that day as well. The 56 signatures on the document were obtained over a large period of time and it is very difficult to know who signed the document and when. The signatures are grouped by their respective states and affix their promise to pledge “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Please click on our story today to learn more about the signing.

#americanvillage_alabama #discovershelbyal #historyforyoungpeple #america250 #america250al #OnThisDay #ThisDayInHistory #HistoryNerd #Semiquincentennial #americanhistory #americanvillage #Alabama #montevallo

Starting today, August 1st - August 31st 2024, the

Starting today, August 1st - August 31st 2024, the American Village will be closed for public and school programming, so that our staff may be able to participate in Professional Development.

During this time, you may still call with questions, but as renovations will be taking place, please leave voice messages so our staff can check them periodically and respond back.

While programming will be closed, you may still schedule your parties, events, and field trips for the upcoming Seasons! Field Trip Spots are filling up fast, so make sure to check out our website and book yours today! --> https://www.americanvillage.org/plan-your-school-trip/
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause any of our guests, but we can't wait to see you all back in September!

**All America250 events and operations will continue!**

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