250 Seconds
There are many ways to celebrate and commemorate the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence and the birth of the United States and their impact on our lives and those who
came before us. They will continue to be important for those who come after us.
250 Seconds is an easy and efficient way to get your organization to encourage learning as
well as celebrating. Whether you own a business, preside over a civic organization, attend a PTA
meeting, sit on a city council, or participate in any other type of organization that holds meetings,
simply decide to include 250 Seconds.
250 Seconds is simply a commitment to set aside four minutes and ten seconds at the
opening or closing your meetings to share an inspirational story, focus on an historical event, review
a constitutional principle, or share insights into our foundational documents and principles.
You can write your own text, enlist a volunteer to draft 250 Seconds, or select from
selections on the USA250-OC website. Commit to 250 Seconds for each meeting from July 4, 2025
to July 4, 2026, the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Let us know how you are
helping to promote civic literacy in Orange County. We will include it on the USA250-OC website.
Essays
To Pray or Not to Pray: That Was the Question
In early September 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to consider a collective response to the British government’s coercive actions. A little more than a year and a half later, the Second Continental Congress would declare independence...
Past is Prologue: 1215 – 1776
The story is familiar to anyone who has studied history at even its most elementary level. Its heroes and villains, struggles, strife, and victory over oppression are the stuff of which legends have been made, as well as innumerable books, films, artistic works...
“Old Glory:” Driven on Winds of War
In 1803, a young man ran away from his home in Salem, Massachusetts. He was only thirteen, but even at that young age the sea called to him as the mythical Sirens had lured the ancient mariners. Like other young men of his age, his life as a sailor began as a cabin...
One Vote, One Vote, One Vote – California
If one vote made the Declaration of Independence possible, could a series of “one votes” have made statehood possible for California? Consider this. In 1842, Henry Shoemaker was a simple, hired farm worker who suddenly realized it was election day and he...
Women’s Vote by One Man’s Vote
Believe it or not, the Constitution, as originally written, did not deny women the right to vote. In fact, it neither denied nor gave the vote to anyone. Voting qualifications were left up to the states, with the sole requirement that whoever was eligible to vote for...
The Bill of Rights – Ten or Twelve?
If you write (or go online) to the National Archives, the depository of our country’s historical documents, and request a copy of the original Bill of Rights, also known as the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution, you might be surprised at what you receive. It...
1776 Independence by One Vote
On July 3, 1776, when future President John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, about how Americans would celebrate Independence Day, he got it right. Well, almost right. He wrote that it would be the most “epocha” day in the history of America, the “great...
Be Part of the Celebration
We encourage organizations, businesses, families, and individuals to join us in this historic celebration.
Together, we can honor our past, understand our present, and shape our future
Your financial support will enable us to develop and host educational programs, community events, and much more.
Every contribution helps us bring this celebration to life and reach more people.
