Are you ready for United States’ semiquincentennial? Part two.

In preparation for July 4, 2026, the Archives and Special Collections staff are searching our collections for items related to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, previous anniversary celebrations, or the five research themes suggested by the American Association for State and Local History. Our latest find is a souvenir from the United States’ sesquicentennial (150th) celebration in 1926. The Virginia State Chamber of Commerce released a reproduction of the July 26, 1776, edition of the Virginia Gazette, which they claim was the first time the Declaration of Independence was published in a newspaper.

Title in the library catalog: –In Congress, July 4, 1776. A declaration by the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled. Collection: Herman P. Chilson Collection of Western Americana. Call number: E221 .U55x G39.

Title: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial: Making History at 250.