In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, marking a significant milestone. It's not just a celebration, but a chance to reflect. Two and a half centuries after the Declaration of Independence, the story of America continues to evolve. This anniversary offers a moment to pause, to learn, and to reconnect with the ideas that shaped the country.

Is the United States the oldest continuous democracy? Yes. Since 1776, the nation has endured civil war, global conflict, protest movements, and rapid innovation. Through it all, the democratic process has held. What began as a bold experiment has influenced how people around the world think about liberty and self-government.

American history is anything but simple. From the Revolution to Reconstruction and from Civil Rights to the Space Race, progress has rarely followed a straight path. These turning points are not just events; they are experiences students can connect with, especially now.

School Tours of America is helping students mark the 250th anniversary of the United States through educational travel to the cities where history happened. In Washington, DC, they can experience parades, public art, and exhibits specially created for this occasion. In Philadelphia, they can walk the same streets where independence was declared and see it brought to life through reenactments. School Tours of America also offers travel to Boston, Williamsburg, and New York City, with each destination providing a different chapter in the American story.  

These are not just trips; they are opportunities for students to stand where history happened and see how it still speaks today. To help you celebrate while on tour, STA will offer special 250th USA merchandise available at STA-250-America. Show your American pride while on tour in this great country of ours with some STA swag!

Students can also take part in the School Tours of America 250th Sticker Showdown. Open to grades five through twelve, the contest invites students to create original designs that reflect the American story. No artificial intelligence tools are allowed, aka AI, just creativity and perspective. Designs can highlight historical events, cultural themes, or personal interpretations of American history. The contest runs until October 31, 2025. One student will win $250 in cash, plus a custom sticker pack for their group. The winning design will be included in every School Tours of America travel packet for the 2026 season. The group leader will also receive 250 Travel Bucks to use for personal or future travel.