Celebrations & Contests

In “Celebrations & Contests,” episode #247, Meredith Curtis shares all the contests and celebrations she’s uncovered for America’s 250 Birthday celebration all year long. From art and writing contests to special celebrations from American Legion, DAR, and US National Park Service. Take time to celebrate this year – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime birthday! God bless the USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

USA is 250 years old. There will be celebrations all year long, but there will also be contests.

Faith-Filled Stories

SchoolhouseTeachers is celebrating with 250 faith-filled stories from America’s history.

Check it out and enter the challenge here: https://schoolhouseteachers.com/250-days/

National Park Services

National parks across the country are amazing places to visit from Independence Hall and the Statue of Liberty to Yellowstone. There will be special programs and volunteer opportunities, too. For example, you can volunteer as a citizen archivist by transcribing pension records of America’s first veterans and their widows.

Visit here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/usa-250.htm

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Daughters of the America Revolution has special events going on at state and national levels. On Saturday April 18, 2026, the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, DAR is hosting two special events: a birthday party and concert.

Find out more here: https://www.dar.org/outreach/america-250

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair will celebrate the spirit of America with a nod to America’s founding, similar to “The Spirit of Iowa ’76” held during the 1976 national bicentennial.

Visit website here: https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/iowa-state-fair-americas-250-2026

Great American State Fair

The Great American State Fair will bring America 250 programming to fairgrounds across the country, culminating in a patriotic festival next summer on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from all 50 states.

Keep watch for details here: https://america250.org/

America 250 Writing/Artwork Contest

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to share what America means to them. Writing or original artwork.

Winners earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.

Here is the page where you submit artwork or essay: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/

Notgrass History Contest

Notgrass history is sponsoring a contest for K-12 students. Submit a poem, picture, song, costume, story, or video that celebrates America. Original content required.

Enter the contest here: https://www.usa-250.net/contest

Patriot Games

President Trump announced a national athletic competition for top high school athletes as part of the country’s 250th anniversary. The Patriot Games will bring together one male and one female high school athlete from every U.S. state and territory in the fall. We’re awaiting more details. The Patriot Games are part of Freedom 250.

Visit website here: https://www.doi.gov/freedom250

The American Legion USA250 Challenge

The USA 250 Challenge encourages American Legion Family members, other veterans and all Americans to volunteer with disabled veterans and families in need.

Participants may engage in one, two or all three activities as an individual or as part of a team like an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit, Sons of The American Legion squadron and/or an American Legion Riders chapter.

Learn more & join the challenge here: https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/usa250

More Ways to Celebrate

See How Your State is Celebrating

There is plenty more to come on a national level and state level. Check out your state’s plans and feel free to share with me anything special you discover. What a great year ahead!

Sons of Liberty Mini-Unit

We’ve changed our opt-in-to-our newsletter freebie to celebrate American’s 250th Birthday. US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty. If you are not getting our newsletter, sign up and grab your freebies. If you already get our newsletter, don’t worry, these new eBooks will be the January and February freebie.

What do you know about the clandestine group that kept their identities secret? These superheroes played a huge role in turning the tide of public opinion. Meet the Sons of Liberty. Some names are familiar, and others will be new to you. Discover Paul Revere, a successful silversmith by day, but at night he might be leading a group to dump tea in Boston Harbor. Enjoy meeting these men and find out how you and your children can be a son or daughter of liberty in the 21st Century.

Read Books & Watch Movies about US History & Heroes 

Reading historical fiction and watching movies set in the past can make history come alive! We’re always adding movies and books to make US History come alive.

What books should I read? What movies should I watch? Homeschool parents often ask me. Wonder no more. I’m sharing ALL the US history living books we read, and ALL the movies, too. Enjoy!

Family or Homeschool Co-op Contest

Have a contest to see who can read the most books (or most pages) of US history books and novels.

Family or Homeschool Co-op Movie Nites

Pop popcorn and watch US History movies together.

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Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

 

Grow in Christ Resources

 

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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