Events
Signature Events
Celebrating 250 Years
We encourage organizations, businesses, families, and individuals to join us in this historic celebration.
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Now
Now through 2026
America 250 Exhibition
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is celebrating America 250j with an inspiring new exhibit, including vivid displays, rare historic artifacts and engaging experiences. Visitors can embark on a brief journey through the most transformative events in American history.
Witness British colonists revolting during the Boston Tea Party. Experience California’s Sutter’s Mill at the time of the Gold Rush. Enter Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking laboratory. Discover how the World Wars transformed American life and redefined the nation’s role in the world
Be inspired by the courage, innovation, passion, and sacrifice of those who shaped our nation—and join in renewing the “Spirit of ’76” for the next 250 years as we continue the pursuit of a more perfect union.
The Museum is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard in Yorba Linda and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
December
Revolutionary War Exhibits Opens in Orange County
America 250: A More Perfect Union, a new exhibit bringing America’s most formative moments to life is opening at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. It includes immersive special exhibits, vivid displays, interactive experiences and rare historic artifacts from Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian and other prestigious American institutions.
Highlights include an original portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart; a copy of the Declaration of Independence commissioned by John Quincy Adams in 1820 and other artifacts. Learn more by linking to nixonfoundation.org/America-250
Past Events
16
November
“The American Revolution” on PBS SoCal
“The American Revolution” premiers on PBS SoCal beginning on November 16.
Produced by Ken Burns, often called America’s Storyteller, the six-part, 12-hour series examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. It reflects on the virtues and contradictions of the war, following dozens of men and women from a variety of backgrounds, including rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers, enslaved and free African Americans,German soldiers and many others. For a preview of this historic documentary on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, go to https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution
31
July
Mission San Juan Capistrano To Turn 25o
Mission San Juan Capistrano will celebrate its 250th anniversary in November 2026. Among many activities at the Mission is a summer lecture series presented by educator and author Eric Plunkett. On July 24, he will address “How Old Are These Buildings Anyway?”
For information, go to missionsjc.com/event/
4
July
Plan Your Independence Day Fun Now
On July 4, Independence Day, there are plenty of places across Orange County to picnic, enjoy parades, watch fireworks displays and celebrate with your friends, family and neighbors.
Check out this website for a list of free events; livingmividaloca.com/july-4th-
Take a few minutes to read the Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript?_ga=2.106121092.606976774.1749665319-1587102518.1749665319
14
June
We Love a Parade! Happy Birthday to the United States Army
On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress created the United States Army. The next day, George Washington was unanimously elected as its Commander-in-Chief. To celebrate this 250-year landmark, America 250 and the U.S. Army have organized a parade to take place in Washington, D. C. Scheduled for 3:30 p.m. California time, more information where to view coming soon.
9-11
June
The American Miracle: Our Nation is No Accident In A Theater Near You
The American Miracle, a major motion picture just in time for July 4, takes it audience “on a journey through some of the most significant events in America’s birth and rise to prosperity and power…The history of the American Experiment is a fabric woven of countless instances of improbable, unimaginable successes,” nearly impossible to explain the outcome of many of them without allowing for divine intervention. President George Washington described it as “the invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men.” Filmed with a large cast in the United States and Great Britain, the film includes valued input from some of our nation’s top scholars, including Joseph Ellis, Robert George, Akhil Reed Amar, Lord Andrew Roberts and others.
To learn more, go to americanmiraclemovie.com.
16-26
May
Field of Honor
6 p.m- Orange County Oral History Discussion: May 8, 2025: Join the Cal State Fullerton Lawrence de Graaf Center for Oral and Public History to celebrate Orange County’s Political History Legacy Dinner focusing the contributions by the Hon. Pat Bates (CA State Senate, Retired): Mr. Nick Berardino (Former OCEA General Manager); and the Hon. Tony Rackauckas (OC District Attorney, Retired). For more information call 657-278-3791 or go to fullerton.edu/ocpolitics
22
May
Orange County Peace Officers Memorial and Candlelight Vigil
Join the Orange County Peace Officers Memorial and Candlelight Vigil at the OC Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy by going to ocsac.org/member-event/
26
May
List of Memorial Day Activities
To access a list of Memorial Day activities throughout Orange County, link to orangecounty.net/HTML/weekend_
26
May
10:00 am – 5:00 p.m- Memorial wreath-laying Ceremony and Patriotic Concert
Events include a Memorial wreath-laying ceremony and patriotic concert by the Huntington Beach concert band at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. For information go to .nixonfoundation.org/event/
26
May
Santa Ana Cemetery Memorial Day Services
Santa Ana Cemetery Memorial Day Services at Santa Ana Cemetery include a color guard, patriotic music and special cannon salute with reenactors portraying President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. For more information go to occemeterydistrict.com/
8
May
Orange County Oral History Discussion
Orange County Oral History Discussion: May 8, 2025: Join the Cal State Fullerton Lawrence de Graaf Center for Oral and Public History to celebrate Orange County’s Political History Legacy Dinner focusing the contributions by the Hon. Pat Bates (CA State Senate, Retired): Mr. Nick Berardino (Former OCEA General Manager); and the Hon. Tony Rackauckas (OC District Attorney, Retired). For more information call 657-278-3791 or go to fullerton.edu/ocpolitics
16
April
America’s Field Trip
America’s Field Trip – Students in grades 3 – 12 and a legal resident of any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia or the U.S. territories are eligible to enter a contest to share their perspective of what America means to them.
Winners will earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip to an iconic American landmark or cultural site. Entries must be submitted by April 16, 2025, and may include art work or an essay or other.
For additional information, visit America 250’s website at
america250.org/fieldtrip/application/
8-9
February
Free Living History Event
Witness Revolutionary War battles between soldiers of the Continental Army and King George III’s troops and enjoy demonstrations, shops, food and music. Feel like a part of history! Presented by Huntington Beach History.
4
February
National Civics Bee
Calling all 6 th , 7 th and 8 th grade students to the National Civics Bee
By February 4, 2025 submit a response to a 3-question essay prompt proposing ideas to improve your community – and showcase your civic knowledge for recognition and prizes. National finals will take place in Washington, D. C. Regional finals will be held at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Orange County.
14
January
Inauguration to Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States
14
May
“Trust in America”
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.
