City of Manhattan
Photo Courtesy of City of Manhattan
In 2026, Manhattan and Riley County will join communities across the nation in celebrating America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
The local America 250 celebration will focus on bringing people together to honor local and national history, highlight community pride, and encourage learning, creativity, and connection. Throughout the year, residents, organizations, schools, and businesses are invited to participate in activities that celebrate the enduring American spirit and the stories that unite the community.
To officially launch the year of celebration, the Riley County Commission will consider an America 250 proclamation during its regular meeting on January 5, followed by consideration of a similar proclamation by the Manhattan City Commission at its regular meeting on January 6.
The local America 250 committee, led by Visit Manhattan, is working in partnership with community organizations, educators, cultural institutions, businesses, and volunteers, to provide leadership and coordination for community-wide commemorative efforts. These collaborative projects and events are designed to reflect the values, creativity, and shared spirit of the Manhattan and Riley County community.
“America 250 offers a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together to reflect on our national history and the stories that make Manhattan and Riley County unique,” said Marcia Rozell, Director of Visit Manhattan. “Through collaborative events and educational experiences, these celebration will engage residents while also welcoming visitors to experience our community’s heritage, creativity, and hospitality as we commemorate this historic milestone together.”
Some of the events planned for the year include outdoor recreation challenges, creation of a community quilt, a Humanities Kansas Declaration 1776 exhibit, a Chautauqua, and a 50-year time capsule donated by Yorgensen-Meloan-Lundeen Funeral Home.
Additional information about America 250 events and opportunities to participate will be shared throughout the year. Visit Manhattan will host public event information on their website at https://www.visitmanhattanks.org/events/america-250/
Any organizations interested in joining the committee should contact Julie Valledeperas, Service Coordinator with Visit Manhattan, by calling 785-776-8829 during regular business hours.
Members of the America 250 Committee in Riley County include:
A&H Farms, Aggieville Business Association, Association of the United States Army, Beach Museum of Art, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Chapmen Center, Daughters of the American Revolution – Polly Ogden Chapter, Douglass Center “historian”, Downtown Manhattan, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy, Kansas Legislators, K-State Insect Zoo, K-State History Department, Manhattan Broadcasting Company, Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan Life Style Magazine, Manhattan Parks & Rec, Manhattan Public Library, Manhattan/Riley County Preservation Alliance, Midwest Dream Car Collection, Museum of Art & Light, Riley County, Riley County Genealogical Society, Riley County Historical Museum or Society, Sunset Zoo, Tuttle Creek State Park, US Army Garrison Fort Riley, USD 383, Varsity Donuts, Visit Manhattan, and the Westloop Westside Business Association.
