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Founding Documents
Join the Celebration: Wisconsin's America250
This marks the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which gave birth to a new nation - one founded on the declaration that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
The Wisconsin America250 Commission is providing Wisconsinites across the Badger State the opportunity through celebration and reflection on our past, present, and hope for the future as we strive for "a more perfect union." Regardless of background, interests, or where you live in the state, there are programs and events that includes us all and highlights what makes America unique.
250 Years in the Making: Empowering Wisconsin's Next Generation of Storytellers
Wisconsin's story isn't just found in dusty archives - it's being written every day in our schools. For America's 250th, we are bridging the gap between history and the future by providing educators and students with the tools to explore the American experiment. Whether you are a teacher looking for curriculum-aligned primary sources or a student ready to share your perspective, we have a great list of resources for the semiquincentennial.
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction America 250 classroom resource hub.
Classroom Teaching Resources
Each school in Wisconsin must fill out a that outlines an event or educational opportunity that was held to satisfy the Act 95. Teachers must provide the event or educational opportunity to meet the requirement no later than September 1st. District leaders have been notified of this survey requirement.
Having discussions in your school or district regarding Act 95 is a great way to advocate for Social Studies and Civics!
Taking time to evaluate your district or building instruction for social studies is ALWAYS a good thing to do! Meeting the requirements of Act 95 gives you the opportunity as an educator or social studies leader in your educational setting to begin conversations about alignment and implementation of the Wisconsin Civics Scope & Sequence.
Lesson Plans, Activities, and Strategies
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Resource Desk
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Events
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Podcasts, Videos and Webinars
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What is the Wisconsin America250 Commission?
Wisconsin has a great opportunity to explore the state’s story and connect Wisconsinites with America’s founding principles. The semiquincentennial (250th) Anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War, and other important events in our nation’s founding present incredible opportunities for institutions and organizations around the country to engage and educate their communities.
Wisconsin America250 (also known as A250WI) is a state-level commission was established by the 2021 Wisconsin Act 95. The purpose of the commission is to plan, coordinate, and implement a program to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and to specifically highlight the role of Wisconsin in that event and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future. A250WI is the state-level partner of the National Commission, America250.
America250 (A250) seeks to deepen understanding of our history, democratic process, and each other through education, increase engagement in our communities and governing affairs, and foster unity that includes the ‘many’ Americans in our ‘one’ nation.” A250 also helps place states and territories in a strong position to elevate their identity, drive economic activity, and increase community engagement during the Semiquincentennial. These are the goals of the American250 Wisconsin Commission, which is a state-level partner for the national commission. The 250th also provides an unparalleled opportunity to remind all Wisconsinites what this state and nation have done over our histories, and what we collectively stand for.
Discover A250 State and National Partner Organizations
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Society DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
Wisconsin Society SAR (Sons of the American Revolution)
Wisconsin Society CAR (Children of the American Revolution)
Wisconsin Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
National
Daughters of the American Revolution
Sons of the American Revolution
Wisconsin America250 Commissioners
| Position (s. 15.495, Wis. Stats.) |
Commissioner Name & Title |
| Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum | Christopher Kolakowski, Commission Chair Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum |
| Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society | Christian Øverland, Commission Vice Chair Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society |
| Assembly Speaker | Joseph Knilans Designee of the Assembly Speaker |
| Senate President |
Rachael Cabral-Guevara
Designee of the Senate President |
| Senate Majority Leader | Patrick Testin Designee of the Senate Majority Leader |
| Senate Minority Leader | Janet Bewley Designee of the Senate Minority Leader |
| Assembly Majority Leader | Karen Hurd Designee of the Assembly Majority Leader |
| Assembly Minority Leader | Don Vruwink Designee of the Assembly Minority Leader |
| Governor | Zach Madden Designee of the Governor |
| Chief Justice of the Supreme Court | Randy Koschnick Designee of the Chief Justice |
| Director of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin | Julia Hertel Administrator of the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin |
| Member of a Federally Recognized American Indian tribe or band |
Shannon Holsey President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians |
| Member of the Wisconsin Society Daughters of the American Revolution |
Gena Selby Wisconsin DAR 250 |
| Member of the Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution |
Robert Haglund Chair of the Wisconsin SAR 250 |
