Celebrating the Spirit of 1776

History will come alive through a series of hands-on activities for all ages, live performances, historical portrayals, and exhibits during the kickoff event for the America 250 Celebration in Edwardsville. Sunday's planned events will be hosted by the Madison County Historical Society and Edwardsville Public Library, with assistance from the Edwardsville Children's Museum. 

Interact with Voices from History

Reenactors and docents will share the words and perspectives of various groups of people about the circumstances and events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Converse with a Founding Father, a famous spouse and other colonial citizens to learn why they supported the fight for independence. (On City Park bandstand stage at 1 p.m., then reenactors will mingle with the crowd) 

Among those who will be portrayed by reenactors are a key Founding Father and a close adviser and wife to a Founding Father:

• Abigail Adams: The wife and closest adviser of John Adams, a Founding Father who would later serve as the United States' first vice president and second president.
• Benjamin Franklin: A Founding Father who was a statesman, author, publisher, inventor, diplomat, and America's first postmaster general.

'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ...' A Reading of the Declaration of Independence 

Hear what America 250 is celebrating with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Alumni Players! This nonprofit, volunteer theatrical group is made up of Edwardsville High School graduates spanning many decades. They support community causes with musical and theatrical performances. (On City Park bandstand stage at approximately 1:40 p.m.)

Calling John Hancock!

The first person to sign the Declaration of Independence was Founding Father John Hancock, and he did so with big, bold flair, so much so that signing a document is often called "putting your John Hancock on it"! Visitors to City Park that day can do just that by signing a replica of the Declaration of Independence, and also can check out educational exhibits and displays in City Park by various community groups. Be sure to grab a special hand-held America 250 flag from the City's Historic Preservation Committee. (Between 1 and 4 p.m.)

Decorate a Community Birthday Cake for America

No celebration would be complete without a cake, and the staff of the Edwardsville Public Library and Edwardsville Children's Museum will be collaborating on a giant, movable crafted creation that the whole community can help decorate in City Park on Sunday afternoon, June 28. Once completed, the cake will be on public display before being transported to the Edwardsville American Legion Post 199 for the Saturday, July 4, festival and fireworks celebration. (Between 1 and 4 p.m.)

Musical Performances on the Bandstand

• The Great Rivers Choral Society will perform a series of patriotic songs on the City Park bandstand (approximately 2 p.m.).
• Enjoy old-time string band music from St. Louis-area favorites the Mound City Slickers (approximately 2:30 p.m.)

The America 250 Celebration in Edwardsville is being planned and created for the public's benefit and enjoyment in collaboration with numerous community organizations. Those groups include the Madison County Historical Society, Edwardsville Public Library, Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, the League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville Area, the Edwardsville Children's Museum, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, the Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission, the Wildey Theatre, the Edwardsville Municipal Band, the Edwardsville Symphony, the Land of Goshen Community Market, the Alumni Players, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, the City of Edwardsville and more. Special thanks to Sherrie Hickman of Creative Options Graphic Design, who created the graphic elements for the celebration, including logos and banners.