CWS looks ahead to America’s 250th

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the Center for Western Studies (CWS) America 250 Task Force aims to spark campus-wide conversations about America’s past, present and future.

The task force’s vision is to “engage and inspire people of all diverse backgrounds to pursue America’s promise — the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for a more perfect union,” according to the CWS website.

To achieve this, the task force has been holding a series of events designed to encourage conversations about the promises made during the nation’s founding while looking forward to the next 250 years. Some events will tie into existing programs, such as the Boe Forum, and other additional events will be scheduled throughout 2026.

The task force consists of members of the CWS Board of Directors, including Harry Thompson, executive director of the CWS.

“We hope to look at how America came into being, and what role — although not a major one — this part of the country played at the time,” Thompson said. “But we play a major role now, not only agriculturally but also politically and with renewable energy.”

In 2025, during the first year of America 250 events, the Boe Forum hosted presidential historian John Meacham, who discussed how the nation has changed since its founding and what lessons the past offers today.

The second year of events will begin this spring and continue until July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. According to Thompson, the next Boe Forum will focus on the United States’ future regarding foreign affairs.

The CWS is also hosting juried art exhibitions, including “Rivers of the Plains” from Feb. 16 to May 29 and “Celebrating 250 Years of America” from June 8 to Oct. 2.

The Center for Western Studies is also giving interns the chance to create their own America 250–themed exhibits.

Third-year history and theater double major Calli Radel, a CWS intern, created an exhibit titled “Veterans on Campus: A Legacy of Support at Augustana.” It explores how Augustana supported its students pursuing higher education after military service.

Radel said that the event series will give the Augustana community a unique perspective on the state of our nation.

“It shows the growing pains of a young nation, all of the tumultuous actions that have led into one another,” Radel said. “Right now America is in an awkward teenage phase, trying to figure out what we stand for as a country while still holding onto our beginnings.”

Darcie Rives-East is a former member of the CWS board of directors and a professor of English. She served on the CWS board for several years, during which she was involved in the planning for America 250.

She highlighted the importance of using this event series as a way to view our current political climate.

“In what ways do we keep upholding the founding documents, and what do you change?” Rives-East asked. “I think this is critical because I do believe this may be the most contentious and divided we’ve been since the Civil War about the idea of what this country is.”

As part of this project, Rives-East and Michael Mullin, professor of history, have also written chapters for an anthology of essays and writings titled “The Missouri, America’s Longest River.” The book is being edited by Thompson. The anthology emphasizes that America 250 is not only about politics but also about understanding the nation through landmarks like the Missouri River.

Rives-East said the book shows that America 250 discussion can reach beyond CWS events.

“I think this project could go into many different types of curriculum,” Rives-East said. “It might be an opportunity for different disciplines to ask how America has participated in this way, and where do we want to go with that?”

Those involved are hopeful about the conversations and change that this event series will spark.

“I think America 250 shows us all that we have done and should serve as motivation to make America even better,” Radel said.

Thompson said that the project comes at a moment when conversations about the country feel especially urgent.

“The country right now seems to be terribly divided,” Thompson said. “Maybe coming out of America 250 we’ll find a way to work together.”