The Next 250

Realizing the Humanity in All

About The Next 250

The Next 250 marks the United States Semiquincentennial with an eye on the past, present, and next 250 years. The humanities enable us to evaluate complex history, tackle modern issues thoughtfully, and protect the integrity of our democracy. The Next 250 offers Minnesotans the chance to create a more perfect union that achieves the ends of the American Experiment – equality, liberty, justice, and the consent of the governed.

Questions?

Have questions or comments about MHC’s The Next 250 program?

Email Tiffany Orth

The Next 250 Programs and Events

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), along with humanities councils across the nation, is hosting programs and events to empower Americans take steps toward a more perfect union. Join us as we explore and talk to one another about how we can make The Next 250 better for our neighbors, our communities, our schools, and each other.

The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now

Join a facilitated conversation on the principles of the declaration and their importance in our daily lives.

Voices Forward

Learn about youth poets that are remembering our past, marking our present, and imagining a shared future through the Voices Forward initiative.

K-12 educators participate in a group activity during a professional development offering at the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Center for Civic Education

Explore how MHC is helping students build knowledge around the constitution, civics, and public policy.

Learning from Place

Appreciate the customs, traditions, and histories of all communities in America in an immersive Learning from Place experience.

Sketches of Minnesota

Connect with your neighbors and discuss the 250th over shared dinner and laughs at a Sketches of Minnesota, a traveling improv show.

Juneteenth

Learn about the ways Black Americans have been denied full humanity in the past 250 years through Juneteenth programs, books, & films.

Minnesota Humanities Center CEO, Kevin Lindsey.

America at 250

By Kevin Lindsey
March 5, 2026

While the Declaration of Independence is not law, its impact is monumental as it serves as a vital foundational document that outlines the principles of natural rights – equality and liberty – that underpins the United States government and influenced the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.