K-State celebrates America 250

K-State to host a variety of events commemorating USA's 250th anniversary

Kansas State University joins the nation in celebrating the United States' semiquincentennial anniversary—250 years since its founding in 1776—with special events throughout 2026.

K-State’s America 250 events will inform and engage the university and greater community and celebrate what George Washington referred to as the “great experiment for promoting human happiness” and the young nation’s ensuing 250-year journey through triumphs and tribulations.

As Kansas’s land-grant university, charged with improving the lives of individuals and communities through research and practical education, we are offering the community opportunities to celebrate together and explore American history, founding principles, and values like democracy, liberty and freedom.

Our land-grant commitment to learning, creativity, discovery and engagement compels us to understand the past, imagine the future we want for our society, and share expertise and insight that help create that future. We’re excited to celebrate, become better informed, and promote continued civic participation for the sake of maintaining democracy.

All university units are invited to partner and contribute programming for K-State’s America 250 celebration. Current programming partners include Beach Museum of Art, McCain Auditorium, K-State Libraries, Graduate School, Staley School of Leadership, and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.

The university is also partnering with organizations and agencies in greater Manhattan and Riley County. Information about America 250 community events is on the Visit Manhattan website.

To learn more and get involved, email america250@k-state.edu, which is monitored by the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office.