Washington semiquincentennial committee asks College Place to join America250 activities next year

A representative of Washington State’s semiquincentennial planning group told the College Place City Council on Aug. 5 that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and invited the city to register as an America250WA partner and to plan low‑cost, locally led events. The presenter said the state committee’s strategy is decentralized: communities across Washington are asked to develop locally meaningful programming tied to four key dates next year. The suggested activities include a June day of service aligned with the national AmericaGives initiative, July 4 readings of the Declaration of Independence (the committee encouraged communities to arrange youth readers), an August museums-open/free-admission day where participating museums provide discounted or free access, and a September day focused on civic engagement and youth participation. The presenter said the state committee’s partnership program is free, provides toolkits and promotional materials, and that the state is not providing central funding because of a budget shortfall. The presenter encouraged municipalities, museums and community organizations to rebrand or repurpose events the community already plans rather than create costly new programs. She suggested forming local commemorative planning committees to coordinate activities, and noted the state maintains a partner registry and a downloadable exhibit panel about five ideals from the Declaration of Independence that communities can localize. Council members thanked the presenter and discussed inclusive framing for the anniversary. Council Member Williams urged the city and the state to use the commemoration to examine who has been excluded historically and to involve young people; the presenter said the committee is emphasizing inclusion and is providing school and educator toolkits. Several local organizations in Walla Walla County — including Fort Walla Walla Museum and the Walla Walla Public Library — were listed on the state partner registry at the time of the presentation. No formal city action was taken at the workshop; the presenter asked the council to consider registering the city as a partner and to consider creating a local committee if the council chooses to participate.