UW's Commemoration of America's 250th

The University of Wyoming is excited to join the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This page brings together events from across campus to highlight the lectures, exhibits, and activities planned throughout 2026. Whether you're part of the UW community or a visitor from beyond campus, this calendar offers an easy way to stay connected, explore what’s ahead, and follow along as new events are added.

Events listed on this calendar are organized by University departments, programs, or student groups. The inclusion of any event on this calendar is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement, sponsorship or approval by the University of Wyoming regarding the event, its content, speakers, or expressed viewpoints.

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Events Happening Now

SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CONCERT

  • March 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Buchanan Center of the Performing Arts
  • The University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra presents a special Semiquincentennial concert celebrating American music. The program features pianist Theresa Bogard performing works by Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin, including Overture to West Side Story, Appalachian Spring, and Piano Concerto.
  • In-person only

EDWARD J. LARSON: DECLARING INDEPENDENCE WHY 1776 MATTERS

  • March 27, 2026 | 4 PM | A&S Auditorium
  • Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward J. Larson explores why the events of 1776 still matter today in this keynote talk for UW’s America 250 Celebration and the 2nd annual Humanities Summit. A book signing and "birthday cake" will follow the lecture.
  • Free and open to the public

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Events Happening Now

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Events

Check out what has happened and what is coming in future months to campus!

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UW AMERICA 250TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBIT

  • January 22-July 31, 2026 | Coe Library (Level 3)
  • UW Libraries is celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with a visual exhibit in Coe Library. The exhibit features 25 historic images and artifacts highlighting the nation's semiquincentennial, along with Wyoming celebrations of past milestones including the 1976 Bicentennial and the 1926 Sesquicentennial.
  • The display also promotes a keynote lecture by the author, historian, and legal scholar Edward J. Larson, scheduled for March 27, 2026, in the A&S Auditorium.
  • Free and open to the public

 Film Screening: Undivide Us

  • February 13, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 PM | Education Auditorium
  • Undivide US explores the roots of political polarization in the United States and highlights the empathy and civic connection that persist beneath division. Through political analysis and conversations with Americans from across the country, the film offers a hopeful perspective on America’s democratic future.
  • Candy, popcorn, and sodas will be provided.
  • Free and open to the public.

 

Film Screening: Public Enemies, Private Friends

  • February 27, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 PM | Education Auditorium
  • Public Enemies, Private Friends follows leaders from opposing sides of the abortion debate who began meeting privately in the aftermath of a violent political attack. The documentary explores how dialogue and relationship-building can occur even across deep ideological divides.
  • Optional discussion will follow the film. This documentary contains mature content.
  • Candy, popcorn, and sodas will be provided.
  • Free and open to the public

Wyoming Voices: Our Stories of America

  • Opening Reception: April 23, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Centennial Complex
  • The American Heritage Center presents Wyoming Voices: Our Stories of America, an exhibit celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary and exploring the power of communication in the American West. Through historical materials and stories from accross Wyoming, the exhibit highlights how voices, media, and public dialogue have shaped the region and its connection to the broader American story.
  • The exhibit opens with a reception on April 23 and will remain on display through February 26, 2027
  • Free and open to the public
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A Century of Civics at UW

The University of Wyoming has proudly been teaching civics for over 100 years. Since 1925, all undergraduates have been required to pass a 3-credit course on the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions. Read about Grace Raymond Hebard, the UW professor behind this requirement, here.

 

 

Help us keep the calendar complete. If you’re hosting an America 250th event, don’t forget to tell us about it.

Tell us about your event!