National storytelling initiative kicks off

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – On July 28, America250 officially launched “Our American Story” — an oral and visual storytelling project aimed at preserving the nation’s stories — in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

America250 is a non-partisan initiative working to “engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country.”

“The initiative began with a ceremonial launch on the National Mall including remarks from America250 Chair Rosie Rios and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Washington, D.C., icon and NFL Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green also attended the kickoff and was among the first to record his personal perspective for Our American Story alongside Chair Rios and Mayor Bowser,” an America250 release stated.

“As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, we are reminded that history is not only written in the pages of textbooks, but lived every day through each uniquely American story,” Rios said. “Our American Story is an opportunity to preserve those voices — for generations to come.”

Our American Story will now embark on a year-long, cross-country journey across all 50 states, collecting thousands of recorded interviews.

“Each tour stop will feature local activation events, media opportunities and community engagement activities. Facilitated by trained interviewers, sessions will follow curated storytelling prompts centered around themes of identity, service, community and personal legacy,” the release added.

“Conversations will be recorded, archived and ultimately preserved at the Library of Congress, ensuring these voices become a permanent part of the American record. Select stories — especially those featuring veterans, educators and intergenerational families — will be shared with the public through collaborations with documentary filmmakers, broadcast outlets and digital platforms.”

Our American Story will begin this summer and fall in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas, and will continue to travel the country throughout 2025-26.

A full schedule will be announced in the coming months.

The initiative is supported by corporate sponsors/iconic American brands, including Walmart, who helped develop the mobile studios and will host many of the tour stops.

To find out when the Our American Story is coming to Wisconsin and find out how to participate, visit www.America250.org/OAS.