By Caryn R. Sagal
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — renouncing British rule over the 13 colonies and paving the way for a new nation where “all men are created equal” and possess unalienable rights, including “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
On Sept. 6, 1776, the Maryland Constitutional Convention passed a bill creating Montgomery County from the lower portion of Frederick County. Named after Revolutionary War hero Richard Montgomery, the new county was one of the first in the nation established by elected representatives, and among the first in Maryland named for popular Americans.
To commemorate these major milestones, Montgomery County and Washington, D.C. will offer everything from exhibits and talks to fireworks and fun. Here are our favorites among the festivities.
Montgomery
Rockville 250: Our American Story
Red Brick Courthouse
Through Fall 2026
Peerless Rockville’s pictorial exhibit traces American history as it happened in Rockville. Learn how Rockville grew with the nation, from its revolutionary days, through the antebellum era of slavery and fight for emancipation, into the mid-century baby boom with suburbanization, to become today’s modern and diverse 21st-century city.
Money of the 13 Colonies Exhibit
Gaithersburg Community Museum
June 3-Aug. 26
Follow America’s path from royal rule to independence through rare paper money from all 13 colonies and the Continental Congress. This currency (on loan from the Maryland State Numismatic Association) reveals shifting loyalties, colonial identities and the chaotic evolution of systems during the birth of a nation.
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
July 4
A Rockville tradition, don’t miss this year’s extravaganza featuring an enhanced fireworks display honoring America’s 250th birthday, plus patriotic décor and special giveaways to mark the occasion.
Stars, Stripes & Putts
Miniature Golf Course
July 4
Join the City of Gaithersburg on Independence Day for a patriotic-themed mini golf experience with red, white and blue décor. Guests will receive a limited edition “USA 250th” mini golf ball.
Museum on Tap — Becoming Americans 1774
Dogfish Alehouse
July 8
Retaliating against the Boston Tea Party, 10 patriots met at Hungerford’s Tavern in Rockville to sign historic resolves boycotting trade with Britain. Sandra Heiler (Montgomery Preservation, Inc. treasurer, and DAR and Daughters of 1812 chapter historian) explores their actions in the larger Revolutionary War context during this talk, presented by Gaithersburg Community Museum.
MHC Opening
Montgomery History Center
Sept. 6
The historic Farmer’s Banking and Trust building, located in the heart of Rockville, is being transformed to store and conserve a 10,000-piece artifact collection – the largest assemblage of objects related to the county’s history. Expected to open on the county’s official 250th birthday, the facility will serve as Montgomery History’s new headquarters and house exhibits, lectures, receptions and a research and special collections library.
America250 Time Capsule
Taft Center
Sept. 26
Along with beer, bands and bratwurst celebrating German culture, this year’s Rocktobierfest will honor America’s 250th anniversary. A special time capsule will be buried, preserving memories, Rockville’s history and messages for future generations.
Washington, D.C.
Revolution in Their Words Brings America’s Founding Voices into Focus
DAR Museum
Through March 27, 2027
Explore our nation’s founding through the firsthand accounts of those who lived it. This exhibition presents a wide range of perspectives from the decades before, during and after the War for Independence.
Spirit of ’76 — Congress Celebrates the Nation
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Ongoing
Tour the U.S. Capitol and see this exhibit featuring original artifacts, images and videos illustrating how Congress and Americans have commemorated the declaration on its milestone anniversaries. After, visit the Capitol Restaurant for menu items inspired by the exhibit.
Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience
National Gallery of Art
Through Sept. 20
See how artists have explored the American experience over
the last 250 years through depictions of the country’s landscape, people and concepts of freedom. This exhibit includes photographs by Carleton Watkins, Dorothea Lange and Carrie Mae Weems; prints by Thomas Hart Benton, Roy Lichtenstein and Rupert García, and drawings by Thomas Moran, John Wilson and Tonita Peña.
American Aspirations
Smithsonian Castle
June 2-July 26
For the first time together, witness some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, inviting visitors to consider how the founding ideals have been interpreted and how each generation has reached towards new understandings of freedom, opportunity and a shared future.
American Icon: The U.S. Flag in Art
National Gallery of Art
June 6-Dec. 6
With 30 artworks tracing how the meaning of the U.S. flag has evolved over time, this exhibit explores what the flag represents and how people connect with it. Discover paintings, prints and photographs by Gordon Parks, Childe Hassam, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns and Faith Ringgold.
Salute to America: The Nation’s 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration
National Mall
July 4
The capstone celebration of America’s 250th anniversary will unite the nation in honoring our storied past while looking boldly toward the future. Enjoy spectacular flyovers, headline performances, major speeches and a breathtaking fireworks finale.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
National Mall
Aug. 21-23
Don’t miss the first-ever INDYCAR race held in the nation’s capital. Set on a street circuit weaving through the National Mall and around iconic national monuments, this historic weekend celebration will play up American motorsports through speed, innovation and other events.
Caryn R. Sagal is a Baltimore-based freelance writer.
