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The United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. This milestone is an opportunity to explore the nation’s founding principles and Iowa’s role in American history. The resources below offer Iowa teachers and students ways to learn more about the country’s founding and Iowa’s place in the larger story.
Back to topAmerica 250 Webinar Series
This spring, the Department is hosting an America 250 Webinar Series for educators. The webinars are designed to strengthen content knowledge and teaching practices in social studies. Educators may register for the full series by completing the registration form, or join individual webinars using the direct Zoom links at their scheduled times.
Back to topResearch Project
Iowa Veterans Research Project engages students in researching veterans’ stories to honor service, preserve history and deepen understanding of citizenship.
Back to topStudent Contests
Iowa America 250 Student Contest - Invites grades 3-12 to submit essays, poems or videos on U.S. themes. Entries are due March 6, 2026; top students will be honored by the governor in May.
Back to topEducator Resources
Several national organizations have created materials to support K-12 educators in teaching about and commemorating the America 250 milestone.
DocsTeach (National Archives)
National Museum of American History
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