Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday — Semiquincentennial Edition

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🔴⚪🔵 250 Years of Freedom — 1776–2026 🔵⚪🔴

Honoring Our Ancestors Who Helped Build a Nation

Red, white, and blue remind us that America’s story is not just found in textbooks—it lives in the lives, sacrifices, and courage of our own ancestors. As we approach the 250th birthday of the United States, we invite families to celebrate by discovering how their ancestors lived, worked, and contributed during the founding era.

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Family History & the Birth of a Nation

In 1776, ordinary men, women, and children lived through extraordinary times. Some fought for independence. Others farmed, sewed, cooked, taught, or prayed for safety. Each family—free or enslaved, immigrant or native-born—played a role in shaping our country’s story.

Family history helps us see history not as distant events, but as personal journeys that connect directly to us today.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities: Experience Life in 1776

1️⃣ Find Your 1776 Ancestors

• Look for ancestors living during the Revolutionary War era.

• Search census, military, land, or immigration records.

• Ask: Where were they in 1776? What was daily life like?

2️⃣ Create a “Day in 1776” Challenge

• No electricity for an hour

• Write with a quill or pencil

• Imagine cooking over a fire

3️⃣ Write a Declaration of Gratitude

Inspired by the Declaration of Independence:

• What freedoms are you thankful for?

• What values matter most to your family?

4️⃣ Research Revolutionary War Service

• Soldiers, nurses, spies, or suppliers

• Explore pension and military records

• Save stories in FamilySearch Memories

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⭐ 250th Anniversary Family Challenge

Learn one ancestor’s story connected to early America and share it with the next generation.

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KIDS ACTIVITY PAGE

Life in 1776 — When America Began!

👋 Hello History Explorer!

In 1776, kids didn’t have electricity, phones, or TVs—but they still had fun and helped their families every day. Try these activities to see what life was like when America was born!

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🕰️ TIME-TRAVEL CHALLENGE

Pretend you are living in 1776. Check what you would do:

☐ Write with a feather (quill)
☐ Help cook over a fire
☐ Walk instead of riding in a car
☐ Play outside with no electricity

What would be the hardest part?

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🔍 FIND AN ANCESTOR

You might have an ancestor who lived long ago!

☐ Ask an adult to help you look at your family tree
☐ Find someone who lived a very long time ago

Draw your ancestor.

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🎲 PLAY A 1776 GAME: MARBLES

1. Draw a small circle

2. Put marbles inside

3. Take turns knocking them out

☐ I played marbles today!

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🎶 SING A SONG

🎵 “Yankee Doodle went to town…” 🎵

Sing together and talk about how music spreads ideas.

☐ I sang ☐ I clapped ☐ I laughed

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🍞 MAKE A 1776 SNACK: JOHNNYCAKE

Ask an adult to help you make this early American food.

Johnnycake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup boiling water

• (Optional: butter or honey)

Directions:

1. Mix cornmeal and salt in a bowl.

2. Slowly stir in boiling water.

3. Cook like pancakes on a pan or bake in a shallow dish.

4. Serve warm.

☐ I helped mix
☐ I watched it cook
☐ I tasted it

Did you like it?

😋 Yes 😐 Maybe 😝 No

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🧵 CRAFT TIME: TRICORN HAT

☐ Fold paper into a triangle
☐ Tape or staple
☐ Wear it and say “HUZZAH!”

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⭐ MY FREEDOM PROMISE

Write or draw something for which you are thankful.

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📅 Upcoming Center Events

 

Using Puzzilla 
Using Temple Tools 
Editing in FamilySearch  
Bring Your Questions
FamilySearch 101
Consultant Training

 

 PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR DATES AND TIMES! 

Opportunities for Youth Groups