America250 debuted flagship storytelling initiative with a kickoff event on the National Mall with support from founding sponsor Walmart and additional sponsors, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram brands
More details to come on the forthcoming national tour to collect stories from all 50 states
America250 officially launched Our American Story, a groundbreaking oral and visual storytelling project aimed at collecting and preserving our nation’s stories and creating the largest-ever collection of oral and visual histories in U.S. history. Through the program, Americans across the country will be invited to share their personal stories in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The initiative began with a ceremonial launch on the National Mall including remarks from America250 Chair Rosie Rios and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Washington, D.C. icon and NFL Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green also attended the kickoff and was among the first to record his personal perspective for Our American Story alongside Chair Rios and Mayor Bowser.
“As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that history is not only written in the pages of textbooks, but lived every day through each uniquely American story,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Our American Story is an opportunity to preserve those voices — for generations to come.”
“Washington, D.C. is proud to be the starting point for Our American Story,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “In addition to being home to so many iconic monuments and museums, we are also home to generations of Washingtonians who have helped shape the American story. We’re proud of our story, we’re proud to be the seat of the federal government, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the nation and around the world during next year’s America 250 celebrations.”
Next, Our American Story will embark on a year-long, cross-country journey across all 50 states, collecting thousands of recorded interviews. Each tour stop will feature local activation events, media opportunities, and community engagement activities. Facilitated by trained interviewers, sessions will follow curated storytelling prompts centered around themes of identity, service, community, and personal legacy. Conversations will be recorded, archived, and ultimately preserved at the Library of Congress, ensuring these voices become a permanent part of the American record. Select stories — especially those featuring veterans, educators, and intergenerational families — will be shared with the public through collaborations with documentary filmmakers, broadcast outlets, and digital platforms.
Our American Story will travel the country and make various stops throughout 2025-2026. The full schedule will be announced in the coming months, but initial stops this summer and fall will include cities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas.
The initiative is supported by iconic American brands including America250 founding sponsor Walmart, whose contributions helped develop the mobile studios and amplify the campaign through media outreach and community activation. Walmart will also host many of the tour stops at its retail locations. Our American Story will use mobile recording studios transported by vehicles from another one of America250’s key sponsors, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.
The D.C. launch event featured a live preview of the recording studios, media demonstrations, and the first official story collection from America250 Commissioners, as well as State and Territory Commissioners.
To find out when Our American Story is coming to your state, or to learn how to participate virtually, visit www.America250.org/OAS and follow @America250 on social media.
About America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
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Contacts
MEDIA: press@america250.org