{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"427 How States Are Planning the 250th: Commemorating the American Revolution in 2026","description":"As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary\u2014the semiquincentennial\u2014of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, communities and commissions across the United States are asking big questions: How should we commemorate this historic milestone?\u2028What\u2019s the right balance between celebration and education? And how can this moment bring people together across political divides, generational gaps, and complex histories?  To explore these questions, I\u2019ve invited my friend, colleague, and Clio Digital Media co-founder Karin Wulf to guest host a special conversation with two people who are leading the way: Gregg Amore, Chair of the Rhode Island 250 Commission, and Carly Fiorina, Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission. Together, they reveal how their states are planning commemorative programs that center civic engagement, local storytelling, and inclusive history\u2014and how the 250th can be more than a moment. It can be a spark. Karin\u2019s Website | Book | Show Notes: https:\/\/www.benfranklinsworld.com\/427   EPISODE OUTLINE 00:00:00  Introduction 00:01:10  Welcome & Episode Overview 00:04:45  Guest Introductions 00:07:32 Virginia & Rhode Island's Commemorative Plans 00:11:21 State Efforts and Collaborations 00:16:32 Engaging Young People 00:20:11 Educational Initiatives 00:22:13 Ken Burns's The American Revolution 00:24:30 Navigating the Political Climate 00:32:05 Reflections on the Bicentennial 00:35:00 Challenges to Achieving Commemorative Goals 00:42:51 Conclusion and Future Opportunities 00:46:53 Final Thoughts RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 250: Virginia, 1619 \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 373: The Gaspee Affair \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 417: Roger Williams, Rogue Puritan \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 416: Lineage: Genealogy in Early America \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 424: Dunmore's Proclamation & the American Revolution in Virginia \ud83c\udfa7 Episode 425: Ken Burns's The American Revolution SUPPORT OUR WORK \ud83c\udf81 Make a Donation to Ben Franklin\u2019s World REQUEST A TOPIC \ud83d\udce8 Topic Request Form \ud83d\udceb liz@benfranklinsworld.com WHEN YOU'RE READY \ud83d\uddde\ufe0f BFW Gazette Newsletter  \ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udcbb Join the BFW Listener Community \ud83c\udf0d Join the History Explorers Club LISTEN \ud83c\udfa7 \ud83c\udf4e Apple Podcasts  \ud83d\udc9a Spotify  \ud83c\udfb6 Amazon Music \ud83d\udedc Pandora CONNECT \ud83e\udd8b Liz on Bluesky \ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udcbb Liz on LinkedIn \ud83d\udedc Liz\u2019s Website SAY THANKS \ud83d\udc9c Leave a review on Apple Podcasts \ud83d\udc9a Leave a rating on Spotify *Book links are affiliate links. Every purchase supports the podcast. ","author_name":"Ben Franklin's World","author_url":"http:\/\/www.benfranklinsworld.com","html":"