Lightning Round #1 - 250 Con

Our American Story is one of the major initiatives of America250. Starting July 4, 2025, America250 will be reaching out across the country to gather a collection of stories—recorded on video and preserved for posterity—that reflect our rich diversity and shared history. We hope to hear from Americans from all walks of life, whether it's a local leader who's made a difference in their community or a neighbor with an inspiring story. As America250 plans Our American Story, we're eager to find partners who can help make this effort a success.

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, 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.

History.org provides teachers with comprehensive, easy to deploy primary source-based teaching resources from the nation’s leading museums and civic organizations. The site will include a library of 500+ short, animated videos, over 1200 items from museums’ collections, multimedia learning tools, and customizable instructional resources including discussion questions, vocabulary, and learning activities. Designed based on extensive research and developed with teachers, history.org has the power to reach all 55 million K-12 students in the United States and ignite their engagement with our nation’s past and their role in securing its future. 

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation preserves, restores and operates Virginia’s 18th-century capital of Williamsburg. Innovative and interactive experiences highlight the relevance of the American Revolution to contemporary life and the importance of an informed, active citizenry. The Colonial Williamsburg experience includes more than 600 restored or reconstructed original buildings, renowned museums of decorative arts and folk art, extensive educational outreach programs for students and teachers and 18th-century inspired culinary options from historic taverns situated along historic Duke of Gloucester Street. 

How do we build a future where young people gain the historical thinking and civic skills needed to strengthen their communities? This vision requires all of us in the history community to commit to a renewed sense of collaboration. We need to create welcoming spaces where students from all backgrounds can connect with history practitioners and organizations. Join Kim Fortney and Richard Josey to learn how you can support National History Day in this effort. Together, we can inspire students to build a stronger, more inclusive future.

National History Day is a nonprofit educational organization that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history by providing students with historical thinking and other essential skills that will set them up for successful community engagement. NHD also supports teachers along their journey with students through robust professional development opportunities and materials for classroom use.

Collective Journeys, LLC is a belonging and wellness consulting and education firm that empowers individuals and organizations to foster inclusivity, belonging, and social change through education, dialogue, and action. Since 2018, we’ve been inspiring growth and connection, challenging ourselves and others to leave a legacy of empathy, respect, and positive impact. By embracing differences and creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations, we work together to shape a brighter, more inclusive future. 

In early 2025, Wiki Education will launch “250 by 2026”, a Wikipedia content campaign celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026. The initiative will engage 250 subject matter experts from state and local history associations and museums to improve history-related content on Wikipedia, benefiting millions of readers across the country. Participants will join a virtual barn-raising event, collaboratively exploring and reflecting on the past 250 years of American history.

Wiki Education, a nonprofit based in California, works to enhance Wikipedia’s coverage of topics relevant to the public. Operating across the United States and Canada, it supports university instructors in integrating Wikipedia assignments into their courses. Beyond fostering student contributions, Wiki Education also offers professional development through its Scholars & Scientists Program, equipping academics, scientists, and professionals with the skills to effectively contribute their expertise to Wikipedia and Wikidata.

Youth250, an initiative of Made By Us, is the dynamic, nonpartisan initiative to capture young people's imaginations, ideas and input as the United States turns 250 years old in 2026. With a toolkit for institutions, a living documentary of this moment, and the first-of-its-kind National Youth250 Bureau, we’re writing America’s next chapter, together.

Made By Us unleashes access to history and civics education for young adults by meeting them where they are with credible, timely content and resources sourced from a nationwide network of cultural institutions.