Spirit of ’76 Onsite Public Programs
Congress Celebrates the Nation
In 2026 the United States observes its Semiquincentennial—250 years since its founding.
Congress has been at the forefront of Fourth of July celebrations, guiding milestone anniversary commemorations in 1826, 1851, 1876, 1926, and 1976. On these occasions Congress sought to evoke the Spirit of 1776—feelings of patriotism and pride in the story of American independence.
Onsite public programs will follow Congress and the American people’s journey through time as they marked these anniversaries of American ideals.
Family Program: Family-friendly activities for children of all ages.
Object Spotlight: Short, informal conversations focused on a single object.
Mapping Histories: Interactive storytelling with maps.
Seen on Screen: Connect a key moment in U.S. history with digital media.
Curator Talk: Join a curator for a tour of the special exhibit “Spirit of ’76.”
Special Guest: Presentations by special guests will be announced once confirmed.
Check out the event calendar to plan your visit.
Congress observed the 100th anniversary of American independence in 1876 by sponsoring an international exposition in Philadelphia, the Declaration’s birthplace. Amid the Centennial Exposition’s displays of technological advancement and patriotic fervor, there were few signs of the recent Civil War. The country may have been united, but the rights granted by the Declaration had not been fully realized by African Americans or women.
Learn more about the beginning of the Capitol Guide Force, an organization which later transformed into the Capitol Visitor Center staff that serves visitors today.
Families listen to Visitor Guides share stories about working at the U.S. Capitol.
Take a closer look at an object that tells the story of America in 1876.
Learn about the Presidential Electoral College map of 1876.
Watch a costumed reenactment of the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
Join a Curator for a tour of the special exhibit, “Spirit of ’76”.
May 15: Elizabeth A. Novara, American Women’s History Specialist for the Library of Congress, spotlights the women’s suffrage movement during the centennial.
America’s 150th birthday fell in the Roaring Twenties, a time of rising entrepreneurial spirit. World War I and a global flu pandemic had ended, followed by an economic boom for some Americans. Popular jazz music brought new attention to African American culture. To celebrate the anniversary, Congress authorized a World’s Fair in Philadelphia.
Families explore a cartoon map of Philadelphia and make their own souvenir postcards.
Take a closer look at an object that tells the story of America in 1926.
Learn about the emerging interstate highway system and popularization of automobiles in 1926.
Watch a silent film of Washington, D.C. 100 years ago and compare it to today.
Join a Curator for a tour of the special exhibit, “Spirit of ’76”.
By 1976 the United States was a global superpower and had made a significant mark on world history. The nation’s 100th and 150th anniversary celebrations had been forward-looking festivals of progress, highlighting America’s technological and scientific advancements. On the 200th birthday, Congress and the nation looked to the past to celebrate, remember, and reflect on America’s roots.
Families are encouraged to make their own commitments to America with Arba the Eagle.
Take a closer look at an object that tells the story of America in 1976.
Learn about the various ways communities across America marked the bicentennial.
Watch a compilation of television clips commissioned for the bicentennial.
Join a Curator for a tour of the special exhibit, “Spirit of ’76.”
Come celebrate the Semiquincentennial during the Spirit of ’76 Jubilee at the Capitol!