From CSPM Director Matt Mayberry
For 2026, the CSPM is joining organizations across the state and around the country to commemorate “America 250 - Colorado 150.” This is an observation of two significant anniversaries: the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado’s entrance into the Union. As your local history museum, we are committed to offering special commemorative programming all year long for residents and visitors to engage in and reflect on our place in local, state, and national history.
Marking Time -- The Meaning of Centennial
2026 is a year filled with historical significance. Institutions and individuals across the country will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, also known as the Semi-Quincentennial of America. At the same time, institutions and individuals across the state will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood, also known as the Sesquicentennial. But besides learning new and complicated words, why and how does this matter?
CSPM 2026 Commemorative Programming
We The People: Colorado at 150 Lecture Series
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum presents the 2026 "We The People: Colorado at 150" lecture series. To honor the America 250/Colorado 150 commemorations, this series will explore the diverse experiences and voices of Coloradans. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Little Learners: Pikes Peak Wonders Series
Who doesn’t love a birthday party? This year, Colorado is turning 150, and America is turning 250! The Little Learners: Pikes Peak Wonders Series is for children (ages 3-5) and their favorite grownup. Learn and celebrate the whole year through games, crafts, songs, and history challenges. These programs are designed to help young learners discover and practice essential development skills, all while exploring history!
PopUp Choir - "America the Beautiful"
In the summer of 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was in Colorado Springs teaching English at the Colorado Summer School at Colorado College. Along with a group of colleagues, she made the trip to the top of Pikes Peak, where she would create the first draft of her poem "America the Beautiful." Celebrate and reflect on Bates' words through this immersive musical experience, hosted by the Colorado Springs Youth Choir.
Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region
Join a knowledgeable guide on this 1-hour tour, exploring how we have "marked time" throughout the history of Colorado Springs. Consider different regional anniversaries through objects and stories and reflect on your own memories and observations of important events and dates.
America 250/Colorado 150: Seeing History in Place
Join the CSPM to critically reflect on the meaning of and connections to the commemoration of the America 250/Colorado 150 anniversaries. In 2026, how can we make sense of the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, and 150 years of Colorado statehood? Join a knowledgeable guide on this 90-minute walking tour, exploring how we have marked time throughout the history of Colorado Springs. Consider different regional anniversaries through the built environment and reflect on your own memories and observations of important events and dates.
And So Much More!
Upcoming New Exhibit
Opening on July 2, 2026, the Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs will be our contribution to the 250/150 commemoration next year. Reflecting on both the Semiquincentennial of America and the Sesquicentennial of Colorado’s statehood, Freedom to Thrive will examine the opportunities and obstacles to freedom in our community, focusing on numerous changemakers/advocates/activists who have worked and continue to work to make Colorado Springs a community where all residents have equal opportunity to live healthy, safe, and prosperous lives. The exhibit is being developed in partnership with a talented array of Community Curators including L’Bertrice Solomon, Joyce Salazar, Patience Kabwasa, Chauncey Johnson, Maria Cordova, and Jay Byron. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.
America 250/Colorado 150 Sponsors
The Clock Tower Society
Suthers Family Fund
America 250/Colorado 150 Resources
Learn more of how you can engage with local, state, and national history all year long.
Local Connections
Explore how local organizations and artists
are honoring our nation’s
and state’s heritage through meaningful and inspiring experiences.
State Partners
All across the state, discover the stories, people and places that make Colorado memorable.
National Sponsors
Join 350 million Americans in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial.