250 Seconds
There are many ways to celebrate and commemorate the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence and the birth of the United States and their impact on our lives and those who
came before us. They will continue to be important for those who come after us.
250 Seconds is an easy and efficient way to get your organization to encourage learning as
well as celebrating. Whether you own a business, preside over a civic organization, attend a PTA
meeting, sit on a city council, or participate in any other type of organization that holds meetings,
simply decide to include 250 Seconds.
250 Seconds is simply a commitment to set aside four minutes and ten seconds at the
opening or closing your meetings to share an inspirational story, focus on an historical event, review
a constitutional principle, or share insights into our foundational documents and principles.
You can write your own text, enlist a volunteer to draft 250 Seconds, or select from
selections on the USA250-OC website. Commit to 250 Seconds for each meeting from July 4, 2025
to July 4, 2026, the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Let us know how you are
helping to promote civic literacy in Orange County. We will include it on the USA250-OC website.
Essays
Tisqantum – A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Historians, scholars and pundits may disagree over whether the hand of Providence was evident in the origins of our nation’s history. But none can deny the improbabilities related to pivotal events throughout our founding. One such improbability took place...
Thanksgiving: Lamb or Turkey?
Turkey has long been considered the traditional main course for Thanksgiving dinner, but there is a curious connection between turkey and lamb. It may be a stretch, but worth exploring. The story begins with the first Thanksgiving in the fall of 1621. ...
Liberty Further Extended – Part 1
The 25th commemoration of the Declaration of Independence took place on July 4, 1801, only months after its principal author, Thomas Jefferson, was inaugurated as our country’s third president. Parades, horse races, cock fights and tents brimming with food and...
Who Really Authored the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, after having served as our country’s first Secretary of State, second Vice President, Governor of Virginia, Minister to France and more. Yet, when planning his funeral arrangements, he ordered that his...
The Power of Place
At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 1865, a train draped in black bunting pulled slowly into Philadelphia’s Broad Street Station. Thousands lined the streets as a coffin was removed, placed into a hearse, and reverently transported to Independence Hall. Viewing that...
The Birth of American Independence
The Fourth Amendment to our Constitution guarantees that “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,...
The Man Who Could Never Die in Battle
On July 4, 1827, a new two-act national drama premiered at the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Written by George Washington Parke Custis, it was based on the story of his grandfather’s (through marriage) encounter with indigenous tribal...
Did George Washington Really Start a World War?
On May 28, 1754, George Washington led a band of Virginia recruits and Native American warriors led by the Mingo sachem Tanaghrisson in a surprise attack on French troops. Little did he realize that the incident would spark a world war involving Great Britain,...
When Myth Becomes GOBBLE-dygook
It was well-known that Benjamin Franklin had a near-death experience – with a turkey! Among Franklin’s many experiments with electricity was his 1750 attempt to demonstrate a procedure for electrocuting a turkey, believing that killing a turkey in this manner,...
A French Revolutionary Travelogue
On July 11, 1780, three officers of the French Army arrived in Newport, Rhode Island. Their leader was Jean-Baptiste Donatien, Compte de Rochambeau, who would command 5,500 French soldiers under the leadership of General George Washington and participate in...
Be Part of the Celebration
We encourage organizations, businesses, families, and individuals to join us in this historic celebration.
Together, we can honor our past, understand our present, and shape our future
Your financial support will enable us to develop and host educational programs, community events, and much more.
Every contribution helps us bring this celebration to life and reach more people.
