Museums, libraries, artists, youth groups, and cultural institutions nationwide join together for the largest Civic Season yet between Juneteenth and July 4
June 19, 2026
Contact: y250press@teamdsb.com
Atlanta, GA – As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, hundreds of cultural and civic institutions, museums, libraries, artists, youth organizations, and community groups across the country are coming together for the largest Civic Season yet, a nationwide summer tradition for learning, participation, storytelling, and action co-designed with Gen Z, the future inheritors of American democracy.
Held annually between Juneteenth and July 4, Civic Season invites young people and communities to “school up” on history and “skill up” to shape what comes next through thousands of events, activities, cultural programs, and civic experiences taking place nationwide.
This year’s Civic Season includes flagship initiatives like National Youth Day, “Letters to America,” public Wish Walls, Slice of History Pizza Parties, America’s Potluck gatherings, museum activations, performances, podcasts, walking tours, volunteer opportunities, and youth-led storytelling projects exploring the past, present, and future of the American story.
Developed by Made By Us alongside young people and civic partners nationwide, Civic Season has grown into a national tradition connecting the country’s oldest and newest federal holidays — Independence Day and Juneteenth — through experiences rooted in history, culture, democracy, creativity, and community.
This summer carries special significance because July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, arriving at a moment when the largest youth generation in American history is entering adulthood.
“The 250th anniversary is not just about looking backward,” Made By Us Executive Director Caroline Klibanoff said. “It’s about giving young people the opportunity to help shape the country’s future and participate in defining what the next chapter of the American story can be.”
Across the country, participating organizations are hosting experiences that range from deeply reflective to playful and communal:
“Letters to America” projects where young people share essays, speeches, artwork, and videos envisioning the future of the country
Public Wish Walls inviting communities to post hopes for the next 50 and 250 years
National Youth Day activations on June 27 centered on storytelling, culture, and civic participation
Slice of History Pizza Parties hosted with Pizza to the Polls
America’s Potluck gatherings bringing neighbors together through food and conversation
Museum exhibitions and storytelling experiences exploring subjects including enslavement, immigration, democracy, incarceration, climate, protest movements, and civic identity
Participating institutions include hundreds of museums, archives, libraries, and cultural organizations nationwide, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Archives Foundation, Atlanta History Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, New-York Historical, HistoryMiami Museum, and many others.
More information, featured events, and ways to participate can be found at: https://thecivicseason.com
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Made By Us is a nationwide network of museums, historic sites, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions working to engage Millennials and Gen Z with American history in ways that inspire informed civic participation ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Through storytelling, entertainment, community partnerships, youth engagement, and its flagship Civic Season program held annually between Juneteenth and July 4, Made By Us connects young adults with credible expertise, trusted institutions, and meaningful opportunities to find their role in shaping the American story. Its leadership includes institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Archives Foundation, Atlanta History Center, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, New-York Historical, and many others nationwide.