In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of declaring its independence, a significant milestone that will be commemorated in a variety of ways. To celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and other key Revolutionary War moments, parties, picnics, and parades will pop up from coast to coast.
Another way many people will celebrate the nation’s founding and history is by visiting one of the 433 sites in America’s national park system, particularly one of the more than 40 Revolutionary War sites. Whether it’s standing where Washington stood with his men during the darkest days of Valley Forge or visiting one of the storied battlefields and watching reenactors bring the story of the war to life, national parks are preserving the history of the American Revolution and gearing up for this massive anniversary celebration.
The anniversary of our nation’s founding is the perfect time for reflection and engagement across the country. Although we are entering a particularly significant time for celebrating our nation’s history, the act of celebration, remembrance, and preservation takes effort from individuals and organizations year-round.
Playing a crucial role in preserving history
Non-profit organizations play a critical role in preserving Revolutionary War sites, allowing future generations to learn about the founding of America and the quest for independence. By telling the stories of events at places like the Battle of Lexington and Concord at Minute Man National Historic Park and Morristown National Historic Park, organizations like the National Park Service and its non-profit partners that provide support for renovations, tours, and educational programs help enhance the stories being told at these sites.
At the nearly 50 Revolutionary War sites within the national park system, visitors can explore battlefield sites, historic homes, and witness living history demonstrations where costumed reenactors bring history to life. They can also visit other sites where important events of the Revolutionary War — such as the Battle of Bunker Hill — took place. Combined, the sites tell the story of America’s founding from the early days before the American Revolution in 1774 through the final peace agreement in 1783.
These national historic parks and sites offer a range of experiences, from immersive events like reenactments to the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, as well as memorable visits to historic buildings. Through special programs, such as Passport To Your National Parks®, which allow people to track visits to national park sites, visitors can create their own personalized journey through history.
Contributions make all the difference
The contributions of various support groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals will help make the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution an unforgettable experience. These integral groups support ongoing preservation efforts that save important locations for posterity. Through volunteering, donations, and advocacy, some of the most significant places that impacted the Revolutionary War are still accessible to all, keeping America’s founding alive hundreds of years later.
Engaging in educational outreach is also a pivotal way that supportive groups and individuals maintain Revolutionary War history. Through school programs, partnering with well-known educational programming leaders, and delivering educational blogs and newsletters, more people can learn about American history. This helps to interest those in lesser-known sites and stories about the Revolutionary War and spark the curiousity to visit these places.
Since the beginning of our country, documentation and the retelling of stories have been the way stories stay alive. By helping collect oral histories and preserving original documentation, organizations that support national park sites and historic locations help keep the stories reaching new audiences. For instance, “Private Yankee Doodle” tells the story of the American Revolution through firsthand accounts, as detailed through the lens of J.P. Martin, an everyday soldier.
As we inch closer to the 250th anniversary, volunteers and organizations will be helping various Revolutionary War sites host special events, drawing more visitors and interest with reenactments, celebrations, open houses, and educational programs. These events will help connect visitors to the broader founding story as the pinnacle of the 250th anniversary celebration approaches.
Carrying on the story of America
The story of America is still being built. Visitors to the national park sites that commemorate the Revolutionary War can be part of that evolving story. Through the collaborative efforts of support organizations, volunteers, and even individuals who simply have a love for history, the legacy of America’s founding is well in hand, bolstered by dedicated stewardship and the passing on of a history that has shaped the country we live in today.
