America 250: An Exhibit at the Reagan Library
May 22, 2026 - September 20, 2026
I believe now, as I always have, that America's strength is in ‘We the People’.
President Ronald Reagan
January 13, 1989
Remarks at the Annual Dinner of the Knights of Malta in New York, New York
Celebrate 250 Years of the American Story at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Join us at the Reagan Library for our brand new exhibition which marks two and a half centuries of American independence. This once-in-a-generation exhibition, opening on May 22, 2026, serves as both a reflection and a celebration of America’s story. ca marks 250 years of independence, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum invites you to celebrate America 250 at the Reagan Library, where the American story comes to life.
The exhibition pairs treasured artifacts with historical narratives, telling stories of the Founding Fathers alongside stories of lesser-known Americans whose grit and determination moved the nation forward.
From the Revolution through the Reagan era, this exhibition showcases the defining moments of the past 250 years, highlighting how every generation has been called to defend our liberties, strengthen civic life, expand opportunity and uphold America’s defining principles.
Experience history firsthand through artwork, letters and historical objects, many displayed publicly on the West Coast for the very first time. Must-see items include:
- Paintings from John Trumbull's Revolutionary Series, including The Declaration of Independence;
- A Gettysburg Civil War cannon, used in one of the most pivotal moments of the battle;
- William J. Stone’s engraving of the Declaration of Independence;
- John Hancock’s letter to Elbridge Gerry from the night of Paul Revere’s ride;
- A letter accounting of the Battle of Bunker Hill;
- Benedict Arnold’s Oath of Allegiance to the United States;
- President Lincoln’s “I Would Save the Union” letter;
- A pair of blood-stained leather gloves, a handkerchief, and the original Ford’s Theater orchestra ticket stub carried by President Lincoln on the night of his assassination;
- And so much more.
