This year will see America commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We have curated a selection of historical sites to explore that have shaped the USA’s history. From museums to monuments and trails to missions, visitors can walk in the footsteps of historical figures and trace America’s history across centuries.
Additional images for the below stories can be found here: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/443lgjW9qQ
Discover New England
Across New England, the six states will host celebrations to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary.
Visit the picturesque towns of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts and discover more about the first shots of the Revolution with tours by the Lexington Visitor Centre which offer a costumed guided Battle Green Colonial walking tour, a trolley tour and self-guided resources. There will be a Battle of Tower Hill Re-enactment on 12th April 2026 where visitors can dive into the rich tapestry of the town’s history and join in marking this significant milestone.
In Connecticut, stop by the Yale University Visitor Center. Yale is the alma mater of ten Founding Fathers; five of whom signed the Declaration of Independence.
In Vermont, history enthusiasts can discover more about some of the significant wars in American history including the French and Indian, the Revolutionary, and the War of 1812 at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire in 1776 at the 36th American Independence Festival. While in New Hampshire, visit Strawbery Banke, an open-air museum with 32 historic buildings located in a historic waterfront neighbourhood. The living museum interprets 350 years of history with costumed actors, demonstrations, and heirloom gardens.
The Fort Knox Historic Site and Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory in Maine is the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. Visitors can explore the grounds, interact with the knowledgeable guides, and learn more about its role in regional defence.
In Rhode Island, join Tall Ships, Twelve Metres, and World-Class Racing Sailboats at a one-of-a-kind regatta in the Sailing Capital of the World on 5th June 2026. This spectacular event will commemorate 250 years of American and Rhode Island history, while looking ahead to the future of climate action on World Environment Day 2026.
https://discovernewengland.org/
Meet Boston
Boston, birthplace of the American Revolution, is welcoming visitors with citywide celebrations in 2026.
The Boston National Historical Park brings to life the events that led to the American Revolution, as well as the naval forces which helped to strengthen defences. Visitors can explore the park’s sites through a range of tours and interactive experiences available. In Charlestown, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at Sail Boston® 2026, an international maritime event that brings tall ships and naval vessels from around the world to Boston Harbor as part of Sail250®, featuring ship tours, educational activities, and cultural exchange.
https://www.meetboston.com/explore/history/
Tennessee
Tennessee is a wonderland for lovers of history and heritage. The region’s rich past lives on in the form of carefully preserved historic attractions, from historic homes to museums.
At the Museum of East Tennessee History in Knoxville, you can learn about the events that shaped the region.
Memphis is home to museums covering fine art, civil rights and the history of rock and soul music. But there’s one museum whose eclectic collection defies categorisation: the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion ran by the Memphis Museums of Science & History. This Memphis institution covers all aspects of the Mid-South: natural history, Memphis history and the cotton industry, plus rare exhibits such as Elvis Presley’s military uniforms.
Franklin is the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Beyond Civil War history, however, Franklin is rich with stories of the past. From nationally recognised landmarks to a farm that revolutionised the Tennessee Walking Horse industry to an old stove factory-turned-shopping hub, there is history around every corner.
Tennessee has 12 stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail that passes through cities such as Memphis, Nashville and Clinton. It includes the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis whose powerful interactive exhibits tell the story of slavery, sit-in demonstrations, and the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Alternatively, celebrate TN America 250 in Granville and experience the small-town charm of the historic community along with a tour of the new Independence Hall’s exhibits, preserving stories and artefacts that define the community.
https://www.tnvacation.com/trip-inspiration/articles/road-trip-history-buffs
Explore Louisiana
The unique historic sites and attractions around Louisiana offer visitors tantalising glimpses of the past.
Linking New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the River Road is renowned for its former plantation houses which include Oak Alley and Houmas House. Both historic houses offer distinctive overnight stays, with inns and private cottages available to book. Visitors can also enjoy fine dining experiences, exquisite gardens and interactive guided tours. Nearby, Laura and Whitney provide various exhibitions: Laura focuses on Creole heritage and the history of the Duparc-Locoul family, while Whitney offers a deeply moving and comprehensive exploration of the history of slavery.
While ancient sites such as Poverty Point provide windows into the deeper past, heritage sites such as Mandeville’s Dew Drop Jazz Hall, harking back to 1895, reflect the enduring appeal of music. Elsewhere, the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe, once home to Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, allows visitors to revisit the early 20th century while appreciating the impressive collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia.
To the west of the state, touring No Man’s Land transports visitors back to the heady days of The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, when the area served as a buffer zone between Spanish territory and the U.S. lands, freshly acquired from the French.
Speaking of French influences, until 18th January 2026, Louisiana State Museum is commemorating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s Tour. Its Bienvenue Lafayette exhibition takes a deep dive into the 1825 visit of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, probing his legacy as an abolitionist and a champion of liberty and democracy.
https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/experience-louisianas-unique-history
New Orleans
Built on land settled by the Houmas Nation, the modern history of New Orleans is in large part shaped by its European heritage, from French and Spanish to German and Irish, and its museums offer a fascinating gateway to the colourful past that shaped the city’s unique identity.
Standouts include The National WWII Museum, which tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world, and The Cabildo, in the historic French Quarter, which houses thousands of artefacts and original works of art. This while the Jazz Museum, Sazerac House and Voodoo Museum respectively tell tale of the city as the birthplace of jazz and the cocktail, and a centre for more esoteric endeavours.
Looking ahead, the Crescent City is preparing to mark the 250th anniversary with a series of celebrations, which include Sail250, a maritime event that will let visitors marvel at the largest tall ship flotilla ever to grace U.S. shores. New Orleans will serve as the flotilla’s first port of call on its nationwide journey, from 28th May – 1st June 2026. Alternatively, visitors can join in with the city’s world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations.
It’s said that Mardi Gras was first celebrated in New Orleans in 1699, following the arrival of the explorers Iberville and Bienville. Carnival season begins on Twelfth Night (6th January 2026) and ends on Fat Tuesday (17th February 2026) – with weeks of festivities in between.
https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/history/
Visit Mississippi
The cultural and historical richness of Mississippi is recognised throughout the state, with hundreds of historic markers along the self-guided Freedom Trail, Mississippi Blues Trail, Country Music Trail, and Literary Trail.
The Museum of Mississippi History encourages people to explore interactive exhibits, see engaging artefacts and hear stories from people who shaped the state. The museum’s theme, One Mississippi, Many Stories, runs throughout the galleries that include a 500-year-old Native American dugout canoe discovered submerged in mud on the bank of a Mississippi lake, author Eudora Welty’s manual typewriter and more.
To commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, the current exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is displaying iconic objects from America’s Music History. Visitors will also experience an interactive “Song Bar” that enables them to hear performances by some of the artists highlighted in the exhibit, along with additional melodies that demonstrate the depth and breadth of American musicians.
Mississippi has launched a dedicated website America250.ms and will be sharing events and information throughout the year. Plans can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
https://visitmississippi.org/things-to-do/history/
Tupelo
Significant pieces of Tupelo’s rich history have been preserved by the Heritage Trails Enrichment Program for visitors to identify and interpret historical Chickasaw, Civil Rights & African American heritage, and Civil War sites in Tupelo and Lee County.
Due to open in November 2026, the Chickasaw Heritage Center (CHC) is located off the Natchez Trace Parkway. Nearly 200 years after their removal, the Chickasaw people still call the region of northern Mississippi, along with other parts of the surrounding states, ‘the Homeland’. In a symbolic return to the Homeland, the CHC is being built in Tupelo, which is the historic centre of the Chickasaw Nation.
The Civil Rights and African American Heritage Trail tells the story of those who worked together for a better
The most significant landmark of Tupelo’s modern history is a modest, two-room shotgun shack where the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll was born in January 1935. The humble home, built by Elvis Presley’s father with $180, draws over 100,000 visitors each year worldwide and is part of the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum alongside the “Elvis at 13” statue, Elvis’ childhood church, and more.
https://www.tupelo.net/things-to-do/history-heritage/
Visit San Antonio
Begin your historical journey of the Alamo city at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a member of the National Park Service and a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing five stunning missions. These architectural marvels offer a glimpse into the colonial past of San Antonio, showcasing the intricate blend of Spanish and Indigenous cultures.
No journey to the city is complete without paying homage to San Antonio’s icon, The Alamo. Explore exhibits, stroll through the lush gardens, Long Barrack, and don’t miss the Alamo Collections Centre, where treasured artefacts tell deep stories. Wrap up your trip with lunch at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, a festive spot packed with history, family and traditions.
To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of America in San Antonio, the city aims to honour its legacy and ensure that future generations understand its pivotal role in history. The plan includes preserving the delicate 300-year-old Alamo Church and Long Barrack, the last remaining structures from the original Spanish Mission and building a world-class Visitor Centre and Museum that is set to open in 2027.
https://www.visitsanantonio.com/plan-your-trip/itineraries/history-adventure/
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina since 1792, is a must stop for history lovers with direct flights from the UK and direct flights from Dublin starting mid-April 2026.
The North Carolina Executive Mansion in downtown Raleigh is a Victorian-style mansion, built from local materials and home to North Carolina Governor’s since 1891. The admission is free, but tour reservations must be made in advance.
To learn more about the proud history of Raleigh’s African American community, take a guided history tour of various historic sites.
Families will enjoy the Raleigh Fire Museum, located within the fire department training centre. About 20 minutes southwest of downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Railroad Museum & New Hope Valley Railway is the spot to see antique railroad equipment before going for a diesel or steam train ride through the woods.
To commemorate North Carolina’s role in America 250, there will be a special exhibit The Battle of Shallow Ford: An Exhibition of Words and Watercolours, on display at North Trade Street Arts in the Downtown Arts District of Winston Salem, which is less than a 2 hour drive from Raleigh. This was a pivotal battle in the Revolutionary War. The exhibition features a collection of watercolours and will be open during gallery hours through July 2026
Tucson
Trace Tucson’s history back thousands of years at Mission Garden to learn about the Indigenous people who first lived in Tucson and their first contact with Spanish missionaries. Visitors can discover how Indigenous, Mexican, European, Chinese and African cultures have all shaped Tucson foods through the centuries at Mission Garden. Hear the stories from local immigrants like Lupita Tineo, formerly undocumented, queer, Latinx and Indigenous bruja/curandero healing locals with sacred remedies at her shop Yolia Botanica.
Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac, founded in 1700 by Father Eusebio Kino. The Spanish Catholic mission is the oldest European structure in Arizona and has been nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the United States. Mission San Xavier del Bac is undergoing a rehabilitation of its ornate, retablo facade that started in 2025 and will be completed in 2026.
https://www.visittucson.org/things-to-do/history-and-culture/missions-and-churches/
Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters’ sightseeing air tours showcase some of America’s historic sites and picturesque landscapes. Popular offerings include their trio of flightseeing tours on the Hawaiian island of Maui, where many elements of the rich lore and culture were established by early Polynesian settlers.
From the Hollywood sign to the breathtaking Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, Maverick Helicopters’ experiences out of Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area take in some of the country’s most iconic sites from the air. Moreover, they also offer private charter options and special event packages around events such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, not to mention tailored itineraries such as Wedding and Proposal packages.
Maverick Helicopters offers a great way to mark America 250, whilst enjoying epic landscapes.
https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/
To know more about the celebrations and events being planned throughout the year as America turns 250 – https://america250.org/
Ends
For more information on the above destinations, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk
For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:
Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk
For Meet Boston, Discover New England, and Visit San Antonio
Jennie Jordan, Senior PR Account Manager: jennie@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Mississippi, Tupelo CVB and New Orleans and Company
Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Tucson, Tennessee Tourism and Visit Raleigh
Maxine Hanson, PR Executive: maxine@ttmworld.co.uk
For Explore Louisiana and Maverick Aviation
Kirsty Dillury, Chief Communications Officer kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk
For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or
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