Attend the 2022 AASLH Annual Conference in Buffalo this September and make planning for the Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, part of your experience.
We’ve created a thread of learning sessions to help with your preparations. Here’s an overview of the sessions:
Centering Authentic Indigenous Voices and History in Planning and Programming for the 250th Commemoration
Thursday, September 15 at 2 p.m.
In the past, Indigenous voices and history were decentered and sometimes erased from commemorations of the American Revolution. This panel will discuss the importance of ensuring that authentic Indigenous voices and history play a central role in planning and programming related to the 250th commemoration in New York state.
America250 Speed Dating
Friday, September 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Stuck on America250? Not sure how the acknowledgement of 2026 applies to your history organization? Join this speed-dating roundtable session to hear more about the five themes from AASLH’s Making History at 250: A Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial and brainstorm ways in which your work can be reflected and celebrated as a part of America’s 250th celebration. No previous Semiquincentennial celebration experience necessary.
Revolutionary Narratives: New Approaches for an Expansive 250th Commemoration
Friday, September 16 at 11 a.m.
This session invites public historians of diverse backgrounds, including those working outside the traditional temporal and spatial boundaries of the American Revolution, to discuss research and interpretation in relation to the approaching Semiquincentennial. Attendees will work to develop new approaches to research, curation, and interpretation for an inclusive commemoration.
Keeping it Local: Bringing the Revolution to Your Neighborhood
Friday, September 16 at 2:15 p.m.
As the United States turns 250 in 2026, communities will commemorate the event in different ways, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of the people who have lived here. Session panelists will explore critical questions to be considered in preparing anniversary activities and invite audience participation in exploring possible answers.
Additional Resources
The American Association for State and Local History is leading the way for history organizations in planning for this once-in-a-generation event. In addition to these conference sessions, we encourage you to:
Download Making History at 250: A Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial. This Field Guide includes five historical themes that encourage the presentation of histories that are inclusive of the full sweep of our nation’s history and relevant to contemporary concerns.
Download the 2022 Annual Report on the Semiquincentennial. For July 4, 2022, we released our fifth Annual Report on the status of the history field’s planning for the 250th. This report will help you think about the possibilities and advance your planning.
Explore additional assistance on the AASLH Resource Center: We’ve collected previous Annual Reports, recorded webinars, and blog posts about Semiquincentennial planning in a special section of the AASLH Resource Center. Check these resources out for inspiration and guidance.
We hope to see you at the Annual Conference in Buffalo, New York, September 14-17!