America 250 Event Schedule
Unsung America: Non-Fiction Picture Book Club
2–3 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 3 to July 8
Walt Branch Library
6701 S. 14th St.
Each week we will read a story about an unsung historical person, place, or thing that called the United States home, followed by activities and a craft. Intended for kids in K-2nd grade. Registration is required each week.
America 250 Film Series
1–4 p.m.
2nd Sundays
Bennett Martin Public Library
136 S. 14th St.
Join us to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday with a movie screening.
June 14: National Treasure
July 12: 1776
August 9: Hamilton
Cracked but Enduring: The Liberty Bell’s Journey Through History
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 15
Walt Branch Library
6701 S. 14th St.
International Quilt Museum: America’s 250th
Sunday, June 21
2–3 p.m.
Gere Branch Library
2400 S. 56th St.
What Does It Mean to Be an American? (Mixed Media Collage)
Thursday, June 25
6–7:30 p.m.
Eiseley Branch Library
1530 Superior St.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by creating a mixed-media collage exploring "What does it mean to be an American?" Key themes include reflecting on the nation’s history and diverse stories or personal heritage. Utilize materials like paint, magazine photos, and fabric. All supplies will be provided, but please feel free to bring items personal to your story.
Votes for Women: United States & Nebraska Suffrage
Sunday, June 28
1–2 p.m.
Eiseley Branch Library
1530 Superior St.
The 72-year U.S. women’s suffrage campaign ended in 1920 with the 19th Amendment, banning voting discrimination based on sex. Following a 63-year struggle of rallies, petitions, and defeats that cost the state its chance to beat Wyoming to historic firsts, the Nebraska Legislature ratified the amendment on August 2, 1919. Presented by Dianne Bystrom, this presentation traces Nebraska’s movement from 1856 within the 1848–1920 national framework.
Stars, Stripes & Family Fun Night
Thursday, July 9
5:30–7 p.m.
Walt Branch Library
6701 S. 14th St.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Bring the whole family for a fun evening of activities, games, and crafts. Step into history with members of the Sons of the American Revolution, who will share reproduction colonial-era artifacts, clothing, and documents for a hands-on look at life during America’s founding.
Call of the West: Challenges and Opportunities
Sunday, July 12
2–3 p.m.
Gere Branch Library
2400 S. 56th St.
"Call of the West: Challenges and Opportunities," presented by Marci Broyhill, uses music, stories, and PowerPoint to explore Nebraska's role in the American Western Movement from the 1830s through the early 1900s. This program examines the lure of adventure and economic opportunities alongside the physical and emotional struggles of the era. Key topics include the evolution of the Great Platte River Road, impacts on Native tribes, homesteading guidelines, the role of horses, and a reflection on the highly yearned-for rural and small town Nebraska lifestyle.
Postwar Pop: Memorabilia of the Mid-20th Century
Tuesday, July 14
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Anderson Branch Library
3635 Touzalin Ave.
"Postwar Pop," presented by Donald Brian Johnson, is an invigorating exploration of the mid-20th century tastes that shaped an era. Using a colorful PowerPoint and artifact samples, this entertaining, informative program examines how American pop culture collectibles grew from the 1920s onward. Topics, including holidays, World War II, ceramics, glassware and more, can be tailored to specific audience interests.
1776: Where Were Your Ancestors?
Sunday, July 19
2–3 p.m.
Walt Branch Library
6701 S. 14th St.
Join members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Genealogical Society as they share personal stories of their ancestors in 1776. Through these stories they will share interesting information about where and what those ancestors were doing during the establishment of our country and explain how they discovered records and uncovered their ancestors' stories.
Remember the Ladies: Stitching Together a Revolution
Sunday, August 16
2–3 p.m.
Walt Branch Library
6701 S. 14th St.
Janie York’s presentation explores the pivotal role of founding mothers in the American Revolution. Inspired by Abigail Adams’s famous plea to "Remember the Ladies," the session highlights how women used creativity, intellect, and needlework to support the military. Attendees will discover activists, impersonators, and seamstresses who actively shaped the trajectory of the war.