Celebrate America’s 250th with Historical Movie Programming
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, libraries can take the lead in helping patrons connect with the nation’s diverse and evolving story. Movie events are a powerful, accessible way to bring history to life – inviting audiences to reflect on where we’ve been, who we are and where we’re going next. Discover our top programming ideas below.
For Adults
- After each screening, invite a local historian, educator or community leader to facilitate conversation about how the film’s themes resonate today.
- Before or after a screening, give patrons a platform to share family stories, heirlooms or traditions tied to America’s history.
- Add a culinary or cultural element with a potluck and pair a historical film with foods inspired by the era – like colonial recipes during “1776” or soul food during “Hidden Figures” – to enrich the viewing experience.
For Teens
- After watching a historical film, invite teens to create short videos, digital posters or poems that reinterpret key moments from their perspective.
- Offer trivia rounds or scavenger hunts focused on key details from the film and related historical facts.
- Bring history to life through fashion or music. Encourage teens to come dressed in the style of the film’s era or create playlists featuring period music to play before the movie.
For Kids
- Add educational activities, such as trivia games or mini flag-making sessions, to keep young learners engaged.
- Before the movie, display a U.S. map and let kids pin where the story takes place, then share facts about that time period or region.
- Create a simple “colonial fair” station where kids can play traditional games, dress up or write letters using quills and ink.
All titles shown are available for licensing through Swank Movie Licensing USA.
