The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. As the library celebrates this anniversary, we are not only recognizing this important semi quincentennial of the founding of the United States of America but also exploring topics of freedom and democracy that are part of our shared American history. Throughout this year, the Library has organized a wide variety of programs and activities to commemorate this important celebration. In addition to our scheduled programming, recommended reading lists and watch lists have also been added to our America 250 webpage.
Cow Neck in the Revolution, a new local history exhibit, is on display in the History Center Annex from June through December 2026. Featuring objects and artifacts from both the archives of The History Center at the Port Washington Public Library and the collections of the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society, the exhibit explores what life was like here in Revolutionary-era Port Washington and highlights three local families who were involved in the war.
America 250th Booklist
Upcoming America 250 Events
Cow Neck in the Revolution
The area we now call Port Washington was occupied by the British for seven years during the Revolutionary War. Local families suffered immense hardship: they were forced to quarter enemy troops, had their children pressed into service, and even endured pirate attacks. Some Cow Neck Patriots bravely fought for American freedom while others assisted the revolutionary cause in secret – and some yet remained loyal to the Crown. These stories are explored in Cow Neck in the Revolution, presented in collaboration with the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society in celebration of 250 years of American independence. On display in the History Center Annex June through December 2026.
12:00am - 12:00am View Details
Revolutionary Reads Sponsored by the Ruth D. Bogen Memorial Fund
Join fellow readers at the library for an engaging discussion of A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff on Tuesday October 6th at 1:30 pm.
"In December of 1776 a small boat delivered an old man to France." So begins an enthralling narrative account of how Benjamin Franklin―seventy years old, without any diplomatic training, and possessed of the most rudimentary French―convinced France, an absolute monarchy, to underwrite America's experiment in democracy.
When Franklin stepped onto French soil, he well understood he was embarking on the greatest gamble of his career. By virtue of fame, charisma, and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers, and hostile colleagues; engineered the Franco-American alliance of 1778; and helped to negotiate the peace of 1783. The eight-year French mission stands not only as Franklin's most vital service to his country but as the most revealing of the man.
Here is an unfamiliar, unforgettable chapter of the Revolution, a rousing tale of American infighting, and the treacherous backroom dealings at Versailles that would propel George Washington from near decimation at Valley Forge to victory at Yorktown. From these pages emerges a particularly human and yet fiercely determined Founding Father, as well as a profound sense of how fragile, improvisational, and international was our country's bid for independence.
Copies will be available at the Information Desk or on Libby.
1:30pm - 3:30pm View Details
America 250 Escape Room Challenge
Celebrate America's 250th with an exciting Escape Room Challenge! Put your wits and problem-solving skills to the test as you uncover clues, solve puzzles, and race to escape before time runs out. No prior knowledge of American history necessary.
Registration is required. There is no group registration; each person must be registered individually.
Please only register for one session.
6:30pm - 7:30pm View Details
"The First Ladies Coalition" - Created and Performed by Ginger Grace
Join us for this special live theater performance of The First Ladies Coalition, a play created and performed by Ginger Grace and directed by Austin Pendelton.
Colleen, a resilient ex-con, immigrant and survivor of domestic violence, invites the audience to join four famous First Ladies as they step into her sewing shop. Via subtle impersonations, she transports us into the life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson and Mary Todd Lincoln. Mysteries and secrets are unveiled – hers & theirs – and with the help of these courageous women, Colleen turns a life of confinement into extraordinary possibility.
In 90 minutes, through the eyes of Colleen, we encapsulate the history of our country and the invaluable impact of these four First Ladies as they spoke out and changed the course of events, at times when women’s voices were often suppressed. They are our forerunners – paving the way for our current wave of women in politics, the #MeToo Movement and social justice.
Ginger Grace has toured nationally opposite Rich Little in The Presidents (playing all of his First Ladies from Jackie Kennedy to Hillary Clinton). She has received recent Film Awards for her performances in Weekend at the Agamemnons (Best Actress, Atlantic City Film Festival) and Wedding March (PBS Reel 13 Competition). She has toured the country in The First Ladies Coalition. Ms. Grace has led workshops with the CASA program in New York City, as well as with students throughout the country and thrives on bringing out the voices of children!
This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
7:00pm - 8:30pm View Details