May/June 2026 (Volume 18, Issue 3)

 

By Michael Swanger

 

Fear not fellow Iowans should you think the only opportunity to celebrate our nation’s milestone anniversary falls solely on the Fourth of July. Though many of you will be busy preparing for a star-spangled Saturday spent with family, friends and neighbors until your faces turn red, white and blue, there are many ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, throughout the year and across our state. 

 

For instance, after reading this issue’s cover story you might be pleasantly surprised by the Hawkeye State’s overlooked connections to the American Revolutionary War. Hopefully, it will motivate you to learn more about them in person by visiting the gravesites of 41 Revolutionary War veterans who are buried in Iowa, or viewing with your own eyes a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence on display this summer in Des Moines at the State Historical Building. They are among the many ways in which you can commemorate the American Revolution in Iowa. 

 

The official State of Iowa website (governor.iowa.gov/america-250) is a good place to start as it offers links to an extensive calendar of America250 Iowa Events. It includes an evolving list of museum exhibits, monuments, day trips, book clubs, documentaries, speakers, day camps for children, festivals, cemetery tours and Fourth of July festivities. Communities are encouraged to share their listings of events that celebrate America250 with the state’s online calendar. You can also follow the America250 Iowa accounts on Facebook and X. 

 

 

Another valuable resource found on the state’s website is the page that links readers with organizations and other resources to encourage them to get involved in this year’s milestone celebration of our nation’s founding. It includes a link to America250.org, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission charged by Congress to lead celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary. It includes many resources, such as a listing of celebrations across the nation if you plan to travel this summer. 

 

Other organizations linked to the website include the State Historical Society of Iowa (history.iowa.gov) which will host a number of America250 Iowa events throughout the year, The Great American Road Trip and Keep America Beautiful. Iowa Remembers is another celebratory entity in which every Iowa county is encouraged to hold an “open house” for some of its pioneer or active cemeteries, including those that have graves of Revolutionary War or War of 1812 soldiers. And America’s Harvest tells the story of how agriculture has played a role in our nation’s development. Of note, Iowa will host a Harvest Festival in Des Moines in October at the foot of the state’s iconic capitol.

 

Last, but not least, are links to the Iowa Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ISDAR) and the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (IASSAR).

 

The National Society of the DAR was founded in 1890 and Iowa is home to 43 chapters and about 1,800 members. The nonprofit group’s members volunteer to assist active-duty and retired members of the military as well as to award scholarships and to preserve the stories of our Patriot ancestors. You can find those stories, a list of ISDAR chapters, and more on their website (isdar.org/index.html) and Facebook page. 

 

The SAR was incorporated nationally in 1890 and the IASSAR was granted a charter in 1893. At its peak in 1930 the IASSAR boasted 450 active members in eight chapters. Today, the group has fewer members and chapters, but remains active in decorating the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots, research and participating in patriotic observances. To learn more about the group visit iassar.org. 

 

No matter when, where, or how you celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, take the time to commemorate this historic milestone in our nation’s history. 

 

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