This statewide call to action invites Illinoisans to strengthen their communities through meaningful volunteer work from MLK Day through December 31, 2026. Celebrating the belief that service is a powerful force that unites people across backgrounds, generations, and regions, the program will bring together volunteer hours from across the state to showcase Illinois’s shared commitment to helping one another. Every participant will receive a special Illinois America 250 commemorative certificate, honoring their contribution to building a more connected, compassionate, and resilient Illinois.

Anchor Partner: Serve Illinois

Illinoisans are invited to reflect on the nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing personal experiences, family histories, and community perspectives. Through a partnership between Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps, residents will be guided by curated prompts exploring themes of democracy, belonging, service, and the future of Illinois. Recorded conversations will be preserved in the Library of Congress, creating a lasting collection of Illinois voices that captures the diverse stories, hopes, and histories that shape Illinois today.

This limited-edition passport, modeled on the National Parks Passport, was created to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Request a copy by emailing ILAmerica250passport.org.

Anchor Parters: IDNR, DCEO, Illinois Association of Museums    

Get together with family, friends, and neighbors and read the Declaration of Independence together to explore the question: What does the Declaration of Independence mean to me? You can request a free copy or use an online version of the text–plus questions to prompt conversation–at the link below.

Young artists (in grades K-12) are invited to reflect on what America 250 means to them—not just in history books, but in their own lives, communities, and imaginations. Winning artwork will be displayed in Springfield.

Anchor Partners: Illinois State Board of Education and Abraham Lincoln Public Library and Museum 

Explore unique places at the center of our national story presented by Enjoy Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including historical sites connected to the American Revolution, local sites of historical interest, museums, walking tours, cultural institutions and more. 

Deadline: March 30, 2026

This nationwide contest invites students across the country in grades 3-12 to be share their perspectives on what America means to them for the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: "What does America mean to you?“