Join us in reflecting on our history, honoring the contributions of all Americans, and envisioning the future we want to create for the next generation.
July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of this significant moment, we created Chatham Celebrates America 250 to provide our residents and visitors with robust educational experiences and inclusive programming centered around the Semiquincentennial.
For the 250 days leading up to the Semiquincentennial, starting Sunday, October 26, 2025, we’ll be sharing programs, workshops, and mobile storywalks inspired by Chatham County and American history. Chatham’s America 250 initiative will culminate in a Community Celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center.
The Chatham Celebrates America 250 Committee is very excited to launch our very own Passport Program!
Travel through Chatham County and discover events celebrating our area’s rich history and cultural heritage. With a Trivial Pursuit-inspired theme, these interactive, multigenerational events span a wide range of interests: arts and literature, nature, science, food and drink, recreation, and more. Activities range from guided hikes and paddling trips that explore our unique ecology to book clubs, trivia nights, arts and crafts, documentary screenings, and more.
Follow these steps to start your journey towards winning a fun America 250-themed commemorative item.
Pick up your passport from one of the locations listed above.
Attend six signature Chatham Celebrates America 250 events. Following each activity, you’ll receive a “stamp” in your passport.
Bring your completed passport to our Cumulative Celebration on Sat, Jun 27, 10-2pm. You’ll receive a FREE, commemorative prize (and you get to keep your passport, too).
Join the fun, become a (passport) stamp collector, and celebrate this historic time!
We hope you visit one of our sites for this complimentary, commemorative item:
Free parking is available on-site. Pickup is available only during each building’s hours of operation; check the linked Google Business Page before planning your trip.
We’ve organized a number of fun activities to take you far into the past and the future. Travel with us to explore significant spots, learn something new, or share what you already know (including fantastic multigenerational activities), and make it a memorable time in the 250 days leading to our grand finale celebration.
Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, or America 250, to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration planning organization, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the statewide entity responsible for leading the initiative and collaborating with various local, state, and federal partners.
In 2024, Chatham County Government applied for a $10,000 grant to support America 250 programming. After successfully securing this funding, the county formed Chatham’s America 250 Committee to implement this initiative. Committee members include the Chatham County Manager’s Office; Chatham County Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources; Chatham County Public Libraries; the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau; and the Chatham County Historical Association.
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Join us as we celebrate community milestones and share updates on Chatham Celebrates America 250.
