America at 250
We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident
"...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
With these words, the founders expressed the ideas on which a new nation would be built in the Declaration of Independence, now 250 years old. Abraham Lincoln called it “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression.” It continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and equality.
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The IHC is offering a variety of programs to commemorate America at 250 in Idaho.
Experts on American History and Politics
Bring Idaho Scholars to Speak
We provide expert speakers to talk to seniors, historical organizations, service groups, libraries, and religious audiences or any non-profit community group as well as a grant to pay for the costs of the the speaker and the program. Bring a speaker with expertise on the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the unique contributions Idaho has made to American history at no cost to your organization.
Dr. Ross Peterson, Utah State University Professor of History Emeritus
Dr. David Adler, President of the Alturas Institute
Dr. Markie McBrayer, University of Idaho
Randy'L Teton, Author and the Face of the Sacajawea Coin
Outdoor Adventure
Take A Hike With the Humanities
Enjoy the magnificent beauty of Idaho's wild spaces with readings inspired by America's 250th! Connect with the beauty of our land and our nation's history.
We will be sharing poems, short stories, articles, and more during the 250th that you can take along on the trail. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get the readings.
Museum on Main Street Tour
Voices & Votes: Democracy in America
The Idaho Humanities Council works with the Smithsonian Institution’s “Museum on Main Street” program (MoMS) to bring Smithsonian traveling exhibitions to small Idaho communities each year. MoMS is a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and state humanities councils nationwide, serving small-town museums and citizens of rural America.
Annual Summer Teacher Institute
250 Years of American Dreams: The Past, Present & Possibilities
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the IHC will convene our annual week-long summer teacher institute July 21-26, 2025 at the Idaho State Museum and Boise State University in Boise, to prepare teachers to mark this occasion with their students throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
All participants will be immersed in the study of the humanities. We open the week to 30-40 teachers and provide all expenses – room, board, texts and materials. We seek applicants from every region of the state and select participants to provide a balance in regions, disciplines taught, grade levels taught, gender, and a mix of new participants with veteran institute participants. Teachers have the option to register for continuing education credits. Applications have already been accepted.
Community Conversations
Open for Discussion
This program brings opportunities for communities to come together and have respectful and civil conversations about challenging topics that are meaningful to Idahoans. Commemorate the 250th by hosting a community conversation about American ideals and values!
Community Conversations are not lectures, panels, town halls, or presentations – these are actual conversations which require active participation from everyone. You don’t need any expertise to participate! IHC provides a trained facilitator to guide the discussion and everyone can participate with respect and kindness.
Adult Book Discussion groups
Let's Talk About It
For over thirty years the Idaho Humanities Council has partnered with the Idaho Commission for Libraries to bring book discussion programs to libraries statewide. “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI) brings together humanities scholars and adult readers in public libraries to read and discuss literature which explores American values, history and culture.
To commemorate the 250th, Idaho scholars have created a new theme and book list about America at 250. This program will be available at local libraries around the state.
