Champaign County History Museum Celebrates America 250
July 8, 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Champaign County History Museum and the Lincoln Legacy Committee are joining with cities across the country for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8th.
Why July 8? The first public reading of the Declaration was by Colonel John Nixon in the Pennsylvania State House yard (now Independence Hall) at noon on July 8, 1776. The bells of the city rang in celebration and continued long into the night.
We are offering six readings across Champaign-Urbana.
Champaign County Courthouse - 10:00 am and 10:30 am
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Amphitheater - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm
Downtown Champaign Plaza - 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm
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July 4, 2026
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday at the Champaign County Freedom Celebration Parade and Fireworks. The museum is thrilled to be this year's Grand Marshals! The parade steps off at 11:05 at the State Farm Center and ends at Illinois Street and Lincoln Avenue. Later in the evening, you will find our volunteers popping popcorn from our vintage Popcorn Wagon on the Memorial Stadium lawn as we prepare for the evening fireworks at 9:15 PM
June 18-21, 2026
Champaign Public Library
200 West Green Street, Champaign
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate our nation's independence with a special exhibit featuring 28 authentic founding documents on display for the first time.
Featured Highlights Include
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A rare Peter Force copy of the Declaration of Independence
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The Articles of Confederation
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Common Sense by Thomas Paine
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King George III's response to independence
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George Washington's letter
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Revolutionary War Maps of Boston
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French and Indian War powder horn
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Paul Revere's engraving of the Boston Massacre
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many more...
June 13, 2026
Champaign County History Museum
102 East University Avenue, Champaign IL
We kicked off our America 250 festivities on Saturday, June 13th, with a celebration at the museum.
PROGRAM
National Anthem
Opening Remarks by Dr. Lindsay Andrews
Flag Lowering and 250 Flag Raising – St. Joseph American Legion Color Guard
Special Music
Semi-quincentennial Proclamation- Champaign Mayor Deborah Feinen
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Natalie Waters,
Nestor Ramirez, Marguerite Carter, and Robert Holloway
Closing Music