Colorado unveils 12 key projects for dual anniversary celebrations

Denver — April 9, 2025 — The Colorado 150 Commission has unveiled 12 signature initiatives to celebrate America’s 250^th and Colorado’s 150^th anniversaries in 2026.

Centered on the theme “The View From Here,” the commemoration offers an opportunity to consider our shared past, celebrate the present and chart the course for Colorado’s next chapter. These 12 initiatives are designed to inspire connection, community engagement, and statewide pride across all 64 counties.

“The Commission is creating opportunities that offer something for everyone—history, education, art, innovation, and celebration,” said Dr. Stephanie Hartman, commissioner and the social studies content specialist at the Colorado Department of Education. “We are eager to showcase the rich diversity of our state and elevate the stories that make Colorado what it is today.”

The signature initiatives include:

 Historic Preservation: Colorado Heritage for All

This initiative expands representation on the Colorado Register of Historic Properties, increasing funding and preservation opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. The goal is to add 150 new or revised historic sites by 2026.

Statewide Oral History: A Portrait of Colorado at 150

This initiative will highlight diverse stories from across Colorado through oral histories recorded in communities throughout the state. The stories of more than 150 Coloradans from all walks of life will come together to create a portrait of Colorado at 150.

Educational Film Series: The Land We Call Home

A six-part documentary series designed for Colorado classrooms that will enable teachers to meet Colorado academic standards while students connect to the state’s past through geographically and culturally relevant histories. The films will be distributed via Rocky Mountain PBS, public libraries and schools.

Colorado Statehood Online Exhibit: Curricular Materials for Educators

A new online exhibit and digital learning platform will provide educators with materials and resources to explore the forces that shaped Colorado’s path to statehood, including gold mining, voting rights and Native land dispossession.

Publications Highlighting Colorado History

A collection of books, articles and expanded Colorado Encyclopedia entries will bring forward new historical research, including a comprehensive book on Colorado’s history, a beer-focused historical analysis and special editions of The Colorado Magazine.

Digital Passport Program: Journey Through Colorado

The Commission will launch a digital passport on Colorado.com, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Colorado’s attractions, businesses, and hidden gems. Participants can “check-in” at sites to earn rewards, badges and exclusive offers. Launching in the Summer of 2025, this initiative will run throughout 2026.

Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky

2026 will bring awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state, marking a new era of celebration. With an estimated 40 to 60 drone shows, this commemorative program will reach millions of residents and visitors. Events will target every region and be promoted statewide. To maximize impact, the Commission aims to host simultaneous drone shows across Colorado in a year-round celebration of our state’s rich history and bright future.

American History Marquee Exhibition: Moments that Made US

This marquee exhibition at the History Colorado Center features more than 40 artifacts that witnessed the moments that shaped America. At these turning points, visitors will encounter the struggles, setbacks, resilience and triumphs that made this nation. Our story was never inevitable. We shaped it at every point.

Print-On-Demand Exhibition: Moments that Made US for Colorado Communities

History Colorado will offer a print-on-demand version for smaller institutions such as local museums, libraries and historical societies to expand access to the Moments that Made US exhibition. This format allows for widespread participation, with customizable panels so communities can incorporate local stories into the broader historical narrative.

Historic Signage: History Where It Happened

A revitalization effort to update and add 150 historic markers across Colorado, ensuring a more accurate and inclusive representation of our state’s history while preserving these markers for future generations.

14er Climb: Summit 2026

On July 4th, 2026, Americans around the nation will gather to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Colorado, we can bring unparalleled heights to this moment. Reimagining this 1976 Bicentennial event, the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is partnering with the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation to coordinate a once-in-a-generation 14er climb in the summer of 2026.

Community Funding Opportunities: Aligned Giving

In partnership with leading statewide foundations, the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission invites community organizations to participate in the 2026 commemoration. Through this program, the Commission will act as a clearinghouse, connecting organizations with funding opportunities for programs and projects celebrating Colorado’s deep history and promising future. Organizations across Colorado are encouraged to submit project descriptions for review, with a streamlined process to connect selected proposals with funding partners.

The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission invites corporate, foundation and individual partners to help bring these signature initiatives to life. The Commission is seeking additional support to ensure these bold, inclusive, and statewide projects reflect the spirit of Colorado and provide meaningful opportunities for sponsors to play a visible role in the commemoration.