Center of the American Experiment announced today a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Minnesota-based public policy organization will offer a series of opportunities to join the national celebration, including the release of a new book from economist John Phelan on Minnesota history. The Spring edition of Thinking Minnesota, American Experiment’s quarterly magazine, will be dedicated to the anniversary and include essays and articles celebrating Minnesota’s contribution to the greatness of America. Other events will be added throughout the year, including a grand celebration of America’s birthday at the State Capitol this summer.
Celebrating 250 years of the great American experiment,
Proud of the past, vigilant for the future
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of our country, it’s a good time to consider how long this great American experiment will continue. And more importantly, what we need to do as citizens to preserve the original promises of the Declaration of Independence. When Benjamin Franklin was asked what sort of government the delegates to the Constitutional Convention had created, he famously replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin understood this wasn’t a one-time “founding” by the original drafters of the Declaration of Independence. A successful republic depends on the active and informed involvement of the current stewards of this great country: us!
“As Minnesota’s leading public policy organization, American Experiment is uniquely positioned to lead our state’s year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said John Hinderaker, American Experiment’s president. “It’s important to pause in this moment and celebrate everything that makes America the greatest country in the history of the world.”
Professor David Azerrad of Hillsdale College will kick off the 250th year celebration on March 23, 2026, with a speech based in part on his own experience as a naturalized citizen from Canada titled, The Indominable American Spirit. Azerrad is an Assistant Professor and Research Fellow in the Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale is partnering with the White House Salute to America 250 Task Force on a video series celebrating the remarkable story of American Independence. Join us to hear Professor Azzerad’s story to celebrate America and learn how we can do our part to “keep” the republic going for another 250 years.
Speaker: David Azerrad
Date: March 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom
5418 Wayzata Blvd
Golden Valley, MN 55416
Tickets: $35, students and children free
For more information go to www.americanexperiments.org/events