America Turns 250 in 2026!

It’s America’s birthday! This year America turns 250!  A group called America250 plans to celebrate. Let’s look at their plans.  

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America’s Time Capsule

This is Independence National Historic Park. It is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Declaration of Independence was written here. America250 will bury a time capsule here. A time capsule holds special items. This time capsule will represent America. America250 will bury it on the Fourth of July holiday. In 2276, the United States will turn 500. The capsule will be opened then.

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America’s Soundtrack

This is Gloria Estefan. She is from Miami, Florida. Gloria Estefan performed a song called “America.” It is part of America’s Soundtrack. This is a series of songs. The songs all celebrate America. Another song is called “American Promise.” It is all instrumental. Karen LeFrak composed the song. Lastly, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed. They sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” American250 will release more songs on America’s Soundtrack throughout the year.  

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Our American Story

Our country is full of people. They all have their own stories to tell. The Our American Story tour asks people to tell their stories. Interviewers are visiting all 50 states. At each stop, they ask people to share their stories. The tour started in July last year. It will finish in July this year.  

What Do You Think? Work with a partner to answer one of these questions:   

• What would you put in a time capsule to represent our country?  Why?  

• What song do you think belongs on America’s Soundtrack? Why?  

• What story about our country do you want to tell? Why?  

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