America’s 250th birth celebrations are underway. If you are an American citizen, regardless of age, they want to hear from you! What is your story, your livelihood, your thoughts, and energies? America 250 intends to preserve the thoughts of everyday Americans and collect the largest audiovisual archive of American stories ever created.
Beginnings
Set against the iconic backdrop of the United States Capitol, the kickoff for America’s 250th birthday celebration marked the first chapter in a historic journey to collect the largest audiovisual archive of American stories ever created.
Our American Story is more than a tour—it’s a national movement. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, this project offers Americans from across the country a chance to share their personal experiences, family histories, and community ties. These stories, captured in intimate interviews guided by trained facilitators, will serve as a vibrant tapestry of perspectives, values, and memories that reflect the diverse spirit of our nation.
The Vehicle
Capitol visitors viewed the refurbished Airstream travel trailer—wrapped in America250 branding and hitched to a Ram truck. This mobile recording studio represents the future of the initiative, designed to travel from sea to shining sea, capturing the voices of a nation on the move. This trailer is called Our American Story.
The Trip
Our American Story has embarked on a yearlong cross-country tour. From big cities to rural heartlands, the Airstream will stop at Walmart locations, community centers, and civic landmarks, capturing voices from every corner of the country. Each stop will host recording days and occasional community events, giving people the chance to leave a mark on history in their own words.
At the tour’s conclusion, the collected interviews will be disseminated across media platforms and social media channels, and the Library of Congress will preserve the full audio archive as a legacy for generations to come. It is rather like a time capsule. You can sign up today!
