America’s 250th birthday is creating new opportunities for members to learn about the nation’s founding, the fight for independence, the Constitution, and the meaning of citizenship. For members working toward the American Citizenship Award (ACA), some of the special events, exhibits, programs, and historic activities happening in your area in the next few weeks may qualify as ACA Educational Activities.

Many families may already be planning to attend museums, historic sites, special performances, lectures, reenactments, or America 250 programs, and many of these will count towards the 20 hours needed for the ACA. When considering these events, the key question is not simply, “Is this patriotic?” but instead,

“Did the activity teach something meaningful about the United States, its founding, its government, its laws, or the responsibilities of citizenship?“

What Types of Activities May Qualify?

ACA Educational Activities may include experiences that help students learn about topics such as:

  • The founding of the United States
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • The Constitution and Bill of Rights
  • The American Revolution
  • George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and other founding figures
  • The three branches of government
  • The court system and judicial process
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Voting rights and civic participation
  • Citizenship and naturalization
  • Landmark historical events that shaped American democracy

Look for lectures, speaker panels, plays, movies, reenactments, living history programs, and special exhibits. These activities are taking place at museums, libraries, theaters, historic sites, national parks, courthouses, universities, state capitols, civic organizations, and community institutions across the county.

America 250 in Washington, DC Area

Members who live in or will be visiting the Washington, DC area during America’s 250th birthday have many especially strong opportunities for ACA Educational Activities.

  • Angel Studios: “Young Washington” (nationwide release)
  • Arlington National Cemetery: America 250 Education Program, also Revolutionary War / Legacy of the American Revolution Walking Tour
  • DAR Museum / DAR National Headquarters: “Revolution in Their Words”
  • Ford’s Theater: “1776” stage production
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon: “Experience the Revolution in 4D”
  • Library of Congress: America 250: “It’s Your Story”, “The Declaration’s Promise”
  • National Archives: “Road to Revolution”, “Opening the Vault” and July 4th Declaration Program
  • National Archives Museum: “Free and Independent: A Celebration of the Declaration”
  • National Mall and Memorial Parks (Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, etc.): Freedom 250 programs and Ranger programs
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: “Slavery and Freedom” and “A Changing America”
  • National Museum of the Bible: “A General’s Prayer,” a play about George Washington
  • Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building: “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America”
  • Smithsonian Castle: “American Aspirations”
  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History: “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith,” “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden,” and “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War””
  • U.S. Capitol Visitor Center: “Spirit of ’76”
  • White House Historical Association: America 250 Resources, “The People’s House: A White House Experience”

For students in the DC area, these activities and others can be more than a family outing. With proper reflection and documentation, they may also help fulfill ACA Educational Activity requirements.

What Does Not Qualify for ACA by Itself?

Many America 250 celebrations will be fun and memorable, but not every patriotic event is an ACA Educational Activity. The following would not count: watching fireworks, attending or marching in a parade, going to a cookout, attending a music concert, wearing patriotic clothing or hanging patriotic decor, or visiting a festival only for food, games, or entertainment.

Documentation Reminder

ACA educational activities often have different documentation than the AVSA or similar awards. Members should keep and submit documentation such as:

  • Ticket or registration confirmation
  • Program flyer or event description
  • Photo of the member at the event or exhibit

The strongest submissions will show both attendance and educational value.

As America’s 250th birthday approaches, look for educational events in your area that may qualify for the American Citizenship Award.