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
“From Revolution to Reinvention: The Faces of America at 250” Exhibit
ESOL American 250th Anniversary Exhibit of Revolutionary Figures, Heroes and Reformers, Innovators, and Cultural Icons. This exhibit celebrates the individuals who have shaped the nation’s journey—from its founding moments of revolution to its ongoing spirit of reinvention—highlighting the courage, creativity, and vision that continue to define the American story.
9:00am - 12:15pm View Details
Art Lecture with Alice Iglehart - A Close Look: "America Today" by Thomas Hart Benton
Offering a panorama of American life throughout the 1920s, America Today is a room-sized mural comprising ten canvas panels. Museum educator, Alice W. Iglehart, will discuss each panel, the mural’s artist, Thomas Hart Benton and his creative process.
This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of America.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details
Sandwiched In with Dennis Raverty - Thomas Jefferson - Architecture for the New Republic
Join award winning teacher and art historian Dennis Raverty for a visual presentation about Thomas Jefferson who was not only a statesman and a president, but also an architect. He wanted to create a new type of architecture appropriate for a democratic republic with neoclassical form, in such buildings as the Virginia State House, the campus of the University of Virginia and his private plantation, Monticello. This presentation will examine Jefferson's architectural and city planning work critically, revealing the problematic and contradictory qualities of some of his designs, which attempted to hide the existence of slavery "behind the scenes."
This program is part of the Library's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 'hybrid' event that can be attended either "In-Person" or "Online" on the Zoom platform. You can choose which option you wish to register for below in the "Attend In-Person" OR "Attend Online" choices below.
12:00pm - 1:30pm View Details