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 Revolutionary Summer by Joseph J. Ellison Tuesday August 4th at 1:30p.m.
The summer months of 1776 witnessed the most consequential events in the story of our country’s founding. While the thirteen colonies came together and agreed to secede from the British Empire, the British were dispatching the largest armada ever to cross the Atlantic to crush the rebellion in the cradle. The Continental Congress and the Continental Army were forced to make decisions on the run, improvising as history congealed around them.
In a brilliant and seamless narrative, Ellis meticulously examines the most influential figures in this propitious moment, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Britain’s Admiral Lord Richard and General William Howe. He weaves together the political and military experiences as two sides of a single story, and shows how events on one front influenced outcomes on the other.
Copies of the book are available on Libby and may also be picked up at the Information Desk.
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.
2:30pm - 3:30pm View Details
America 250! Family Film: National Treasure (PG, 130mins.)
All Ages
National Treasure (PG, 2hours 10min.)
Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) has spent his entire life seeking a treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers, who left clues to its whereabouts on the back of the Declaration of Independence. When he learns of a plot to steal the famous document, Ben has only one option: steal it himself. Even if he can pull off this monumental task, keeping the treasure safe means staying one step ahead of the bad guys –and the FBI agents hot on his trail.
4:00pm - 6:15pm View Details