8/19/26

By FHSU University Marketing and Strategic Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is proud to announce a semester-long celebration marking the historic 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"This semester-long celebration of the 250th is a unique invitation to look back, look forward, and examine our place in America's ongoing story," said Cyndi Landis, User Experience and Outreach Librarian. "With the various exhibits, public events, and interactive challenges, there is a way for everyone to participate and even win some prizes. Whether you are a student on campus, an online Tiger, an alumnus living miles away, or a neighbor in the Hays community, this series has something for you.”

Guided by Tebo Library, the American Democracy Project, the Department of History and Philosophy, and Student Engagement and Belonging, FHSU invites everyone to learn, reflect, and connect.

Events, including speakers, trivia, a fun run, and community service opportunities, take place from August through November across campus and in the community, with multiple options to join hybrid events via Zoom.

“As a board member of Humanities Kansas, it’s an honor to bring a touring exhibit and two speakers, Virgil Dean and Adam Hodge, from the Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau to Hays and share these statewide initiatives with the community,” said Ginger Williams, Dean of Library Services.

Starting September 14 and running through December 18, 2026, visitors can experience two distinct exhibitions on the FHSU campus.

"Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy" will be displayed in the Main Level Gallery of Tebo Library. This traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is presented by Humanities Kansas. It is made possible by the Kansas Arts Commission and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, and locally, through a partnership with Tebo Library and the Hays Public Library.

Using powerful primary sources, the exhibit explores how the revolutionary promise that “all men are created equal” has inspired global movements for equality and self-determination over the last 250 years. It also features a unique “Kansas 1776” section spotlighting the land that would become Kansas two and a half centuries ago.

"Moments that Made US" will be displayed in the Main Level Display Wall in FHSU’s Memorial Union. Developed by History Colorado and a multi-state collaborative team that includes the Kansas Museums Association, this exhibit explores the core ideals of America's founding documents and fosters reflection on the triumphs, struggles, and turning points that have defined the nation.

The 250th Challenge offers a variety of humanities, media, and service challenges to complete on your own time, with each completed challenge earning a prize entry. Seven Humanities Challenges are each paired with a Humanities Challenge Chat led by Dr. Rob Byer, assistant professor of philosophy, to offer a casual way to connect with others. These challenges are as simple as visiting a museum or art gallery, journaling, or having an intentionally deep conversation with a friend or loved one. Each challenge has context and suggestions for enriching your humanities experience.

"The humanities are all about different ways to understand and express what it means to be human,” Byer said. “These Challenges have been created to help community members engage actively with the humanities as a field, with the history of the United States, and to continue to increase connection and conversation between people.”

Five Media Challenges encourage participants to read books or watch content that expands their knowledge and context of the Founding Era and American History.

Lastly, a 250-minute Service Challenge is an opportunity to serve your community with your time and talents.

“Volunteering a little more than four hours is a great way to engage with your community, and we’re offering multiple community service events on campus, like bringing back SWIPE Out Hunger and something special on Veterans’ Day,” said Elizabeth Sutherland, Coordinator of Student Engagement.

After completing any of the 250th Challenges, campus and community members can submit a form at bit.ly/FHSU250Challenge, which counts as a prize entry. Submit the form for each completed challenge for a better chance of winning prizes, including Chamber Cheques and prize baskets featuring FHSU and USA gear.

For more information about the events, challenge criteria, Zoom registration for hybrid events, and to access the prize entry forms, visit fhsuguides.fhsu.edu/250/.