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250th anniversary of the United States

Commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial

Star shape outlined in blue with 250 in red numbers

Hennepin County is joining the nation in recognizing 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. To honor this anniversary, we’re creating and supporting programs that highlight the state, local, and Indigenous histories. This shared history has shaped our land, communities, government, and culture.

Power of Place

We're showcasing our vibrant history, diverse communities and democratic traditions. Our programming draws on the American Association for State and Local History’s field guide and a collaboration with the Hennepin History Museum. Our central theme, Power of Place, focuses on local stories, people, and our unique spaces and places.

Supporting themes include:

  • We the People – recognizing our journey towards a more equitable nation and national and community belonging
  • Unfinished Revolutions – to highlight ongoing movements for rights, representation, equality, and social and political change.

Event highlights

May 1 – June 5: Student art exhibit in the lower level of the Hennepin County Government Center - Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County, and Our Pride

June – August: Go Outside with Hennepin County series in the Hennepin County Government Center plaza

June 11 – 13: Hennepin County Fair

Week of July 4: Lowry Bridge lighting red, white and blue

July 9: America 250: Genealogy Research at the Maple Grove Library - event details and registration

Ongoing: Hennepin History Museum exhibits and events

Ongoing: Recommended reading list and book group materials from Hennepin County Library

Ken Burns' The American Revolution

We're partnering with Twin Cities PBS for community screenings of select episodes of The American Revolution. This six-part, 12-hour documentary series explores the country's founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence. The film is directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. 

  • June 17: Episode 1 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775) at the Landmark Center
  • July 25: Episode 3 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 - January 1777) at the Lawshe Memorial Museum
  • August 15: Episode 5 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 - May 1780) at the Minneapolis Central Library
  • September 24: Panel and discussion at the Minnesota History Center

Event details and registration


Details to be announced

  • America Gives volunteer opportunity
  • Elections exhibit in the lower level of the Hennepin County Government Center
  • Historical panel featuring Dr. Yohuru Williams and Dr. Christopher P. Lehman at the Central Library Pohlad Room
  • Veterans Monument groundbreaking at the Hennepin County Government Center in the summer of 2027

Past events

April: National County Government Month - Highlighted the 250th anniversary by recognizing the essential role of county governments in communities

May 9 – 10: Doors Open Minneapolis at the Hennepin County Government Center, Hennepin History Museum, and Minneapolis City Hall

Committee

In September 2025, the Hennepin County Board established a committee to coordinate countywide efforts.

Resolution 25‑0344