Celebrate America 250
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Commemorate America 250 with these library programs and resources.
Texas America250 Traveling Exhibit
Visit the Texas America250 traveling exhibit located in the display case in the Library's east lobby. The exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives, encouraging all Americans to explore the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years. From Spanish missions to the space race, the landscape, culture, economy and people of Texas have played essential roles in the development of the United States.
Programs for Adults
Quilt Front Totes: Bold Blocks for Beginners
Saturday, June 20 | 1-4 p.m.
The Hive | Registration Required
Sew a story you can carry. Inspired by the artistry of the Gee's Bend quilters, this workshop guides participants in creating a bold quilted tote. Discover the history behind these unique quilts and leave with a one-of-a-kind handmade bag. Open to makers 13 and up. Registration opens June 6 at 1 p.m.
America 250 Lecture Series
Saturday, June 27 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.Presented by Professor Jeremy P. Godwin from North Central Texas College
Wednesday, July 1 | 6-7 p.m.
Presented by Professor Charles Adams, Division Chair at North Central Texas College
Crawford Meeting Room Join us for our mini lecture series focusing on early American history to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Hear from Prof. Jeremy P. Godwin, B.A., M.A. from North Central Texas College’s History department, as well as Prof. Charles Adams, B.A., M.A, Division Chair, Anthropology, History, Humanities, Philosophy, and Sociology at NCTC.
Sunny Stitches: Embroidered Tea Towels
Saturday, August 8 | 1-4 p.m.
The Hive | Registration Required
Soak up the summer vibes in this all-levels embroidered tea towel class! We’ll create bright, beachy designs using simple decorative stitches that are perfect for beginners and fun for experienced makers too. Come stitch and relax, and leave with charming hand-embroidered towels. Open to makers 13 and up. Registration opens July 25 at 1 p.m.
Programs for Families
America 250: Paper Quilts
Tuesday, June 16 | 2-3 p.m.For families with children of all ages*
Glenmore Savage Community Room | No ticket or registration required.
Whether sitting folded at the foot of a bed or hanging in an art museum, quilts are a colorful part of our American history. Learn a little of that history, make a paper collage family "quilt", and contribute to our library collaborative art project. *All kids must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Digital Library
- Ancestry™ Library Edition (In-Library Access Only)
- Fold3 Library Edition
- Gale OneFile: U.S. History
- Handbook of African American Texas
- Handbook of Texas Online
- HeritageQuest Online
- Life Magazine Archive (1936-2000)
- Newsbank: America's News
- Newsweek Magazine Archive (1933-2012)
- Portal to Texas History
- Time Magazine Archive (1923-2000)