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City of Chicago and Choose Chicago to Lead Chicago 250 Commemoration, Celebrating the History and Soul of America

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CHICAGO — The City of Chicago today joined Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organization, to announce its participation in the national commemoration of America 250, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through a year-long series of cultural events, neighborhood celebrations, public art, and civic initiatives, Chicago will honor the nation's founding while centering the people and movements that have pushed America to live up to its promises.

"Chicago represents the soul of America, not just in our triumphs, but in our struggles to build a more just and inclusive democracy," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "For 250 years, progress in this country has come when working people stood in common purpose, organizing, demanding fairness, and pushing this nation closer to its founding promise. That spirit lives in Chicago."

Since its founding in 1837, Chicago has embodied the spirit of innovation and progress that defines the United States. From the Indigenous stewardship of this land, to the Great Migration that reshaped our neighborhoods, to the labor movement that secured workplace protections and dignity for our workers, to the contributions of immigrant families in the early 20th century who came to work on our railroads, in our steel mills, and in our factories, building communities rooted in mutual aid, cultural pride, and organizing traditions that still shape the city today.

"Located in the heart of the country, Chicago embodies the values that America was founded on—freedom, inclusion, diversity, and resilience," said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "From transformative social movements to cultural and technical innovations that changed the world, Chicago's influence on our nation's history is profound. In this milestone year, there is no better place to visit to experience the spirit of America than Chicago."

Through Choose Chicago's new America 250 online hub, locals and visitors are invited to explore the city's rich history through curated itineraries, special events, and guides to the museums, neighborhoods, and landmarks that tell the story of Chicago's enduring impact on America.

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Chicago's influence has extended far beyond our region through culture, creativity, and sound. The city gave rise to musical traditions like gospel, blues, jazz, and house music; art forms born from the experiences of Black, Latino, and working-class communities that went on to shape music around the world. From neighborhood churches and community halls to global stages, Chicago's cultural legacy reflects the same spirit of resilience, expression, and collective power represented in all corners of our great nation.

"We are proud to mark this historic moment through music that reflects the diverse cultural traditions that define our nation," said Jeff Alexander, President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. "Through CSO America 250: A Musical Journey, we look forward to celebrating the power of music to bring people together and honor the many voices that have shaped America's artistic legacy."

"The Park District is excited to join the city of Chicago and cities across the country in commemorating America 250, said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. "From our park fieldhouse architecture to our collection of public art, Chicago parks reflect every era of American history. We look forward to welcoming everyone in our parks for America's 250, Park's Stage, a series of programs and events that commemorate the country's semiquincentennial and continuing the important work of strengthening our parks, our communities and our city for the next generation and beyond."

Today, Chicago stands as a global cultural capital built by the resilience, creativity, and collective action of its people. America 250 in Chicago will honor that legacy while acknowledging the unfinished work of building equity and shared prosperity. As we look to the next 250 years, Chicago will continue leading the work of building a future grounded in justice, opportunity, and collective progress.

The City will collaborate with cultural institutions like the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago Public Library and the Department of Aviation, to ensure this commemoration reflects the full and layered history of Chicago. Events will include neighborhood celebrations, museum exhibitions, performances, public art, and tours highlighting the people, places, and movements that shaped Chicago's role in the American story.

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"Chicago and Illinois don't just reflect the American story—we write it," said Gabrielle Lyon, Chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and Executive Director of Illinois Humanities. "From cultural innovation to social and political movements that have pushed the country forward, the road to America's 250th runs through Illinois."

Chicago's commemoration is part of a broader statewide effort led by the Illinois America 250 Commission to recognize the people, places, and movements across Illinois that have shaped the nation's history.

"Chicago's libraries have always been spaces where our city's stories are preserved and shared," said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown. "Through Letters to America: Our Chicago Story, we invite residents of every neighborhood to contribute their voices and reflect on what this moment means for our city and our country."

Programming will intentionally center the contributions and leadership of Indigenous communities, immigrants and refugees, Black Chicagoans, Latino communities, Asian American and Pacific Islander residents, LGBTQ+ Chicagoans, people with disabilities, and working families across every neighborhood.

The commemoration also comes during a milestone year for Chicago. In 2026, the City will mark the centennial of U.S. Route 66, welcome the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, host national gatherings including the NAACP Annual Convention, and celebrate major cultural, civic, and sporting events across the city.

Residents are encouraged to participate by attending events, contributing stories, volunteering, and engaging in conversation about democracy and collective progress.

City Departments will also play a major role in commemorating Chicago 250 throughout the year, including through the following initiatives:
  • The Chicago Department of Aviation will feature patriotic entertainment and cultural programming for travelers at O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
  • The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will highlight America 250 throughout its summer programming, including the iconic Chicago Air and Water Show.
  • The Chicago Park District will host programming celebrating Chicago's contributions to the nation's history and civic life.
  • The Chicago Public Library is launching a civic storytelling campaign titled Letters to America: Our Chicago Story, inviting Chicagoans of all ages to reflect on the nation's history, its present, and the future we hope to build together.

More information about America 250 in Chicago will be available in the coming month at https://www.choosechicago.com/america-250/.

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