In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Indiana University Bloomington will commemorate the historic occasion by hosting programming that honors the country’s past, reflects on the importance of the nation’s founding principles, and creates a common experience for the campus and community.

The campuswide celebration will take place throughout the spring and summer. It will feature a wide range of programming, exhibitions and events to encourage reflection and discussion of the historical, political, philosophical and social context of the Declaration and the Revolutionary War era.

“As one of the oldest public research universities in America, it is appropriate that we lift up and celebrate this milestone,” IU Bloomington Chancellor David Reingold said. “This is an opportunity to engage colleagues from various parts of our campus around our shared commitment to the principles outlined in the Declaration.”

Reingold appointed Leslie Lenkowsky, professor emeritus of public affairs and philanthropic studies, to chair a committee to create a series of anniversary events. The committee has been meeting this fall to plan for the celebration.

The centerpiece of the festivities will be a special exhibition of the Dunlap Broadside, a copy of the Declaration produced on the evening of July 4, 1776. Of the known 26 copies that exist, Indiana University owns one of three housed west of the Alleghenies.

As part of the celebration, funding is available for schools, departments, student groups and other IU-affiliated organizations that would like to develop related programming to take place between February and June 2026.

Successful applications will receive up to $5,000 for relevant program costs such as guest speakers, seminar or conference expenses, streaming, podcasting, publication or advertising.

Submit a proposal

Proposals must be received by Dec. 15 and may not exceed three, single-spaced pages. They will be judged based on their substantive contribution to understanding the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary era, originality, feasibility, and potential interest to the IU community and the public.

The awards will be announced Jan. 12.

Caroline Dwyer Gilley is a strategy and innovation specialist at Indiana University.