America 250 | CT

Conference: Call for Proposals

America 250 | CT 2025 Conference: Shaping a Commemoration Rooted in Belonging >Doing History >For the Common Good >Power of Place >Tell Inclusive Stories March 21, 2025 University of Connecticut, Storrs Call for Proposals

Proposals are due January 15, 2025.


Theme | Tracks | Session Formats | Brainstorming Sessions | Proposal Criteria | Submit Your Proposal

About the Commission

In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is an opportunity for reflection on the establishment of the United States of America, the nation’s history, and the future of our democracy.

Governor Ned Lamont has charged the Connecticut Semiquincentennial Commission with “developing, encouraging, and executing an inclusive celebration, commemoration, and observance of the 250th” through “civic, cultural, and historical education events and programming.” In partnership with Connecticut Humanities and building on the success of last year’s “Declaring Freedom” conference, the Commission welcomes proposals for sessions at the 2025 conference about commemorating this anniversary in Connecticut.

Conference Theme: Shaping a Commemoration Rooted in Belonging

This year’s conference theme is inspired by the Commission’s desire to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging, as noted in its Vision Statement. The Commission aspires for all Connecticut residents to participate in this commemoration, both to reflect on the country’s history and to contribute to the work of building a more perfect union. Today, as in 1776, Connecticut’s residents are diverse in every way. We speak many languages, practice many religions, hold distinct political ideas, and look back on distinct family histories. A central question is how to commemorate the 250th in ways that respect our differences, while also forging connections across communities and helping us face the future as one Connecticut.

Conference activities will focus on how local governments, historians, historical societies, civics groups, museums, and other organizations can participate and engage the public for this extraordinary occasion in the life of the United States of America and the State of Connecticut.

We welcome proposals which correspond with any of the four tracks below.

Conference Tracks

Power of Place: Connecticut is comprised of 169 towns and cities, five tribes, and countless communities with unique identities and contributions. This conference track seeks to bring together the many people that weave the fabric of our communities and find ways to engage all of Connecticut’s residents in this commemoration. 
Questions to consider:

  • How can this commemoration serve as a way to celebrate the unique identity of this state and create a deeper sense of belonging?
  • What is important about your community? Why should people value it?
  • What is the community ecosystem around economic development and tourism?
  • What challenges is your community facing and how might they be addressed?
  • What programs or initiatives would be valuable to your community?

Tell Inclusive Stories: This commemoration is an opportunity to continue the nation’s reckoning with the totality of its past. By encouraging the amplification of previously untold, marginalized, and devalued stories, we aim to expand the nation’s narrative. This conference track seeks to help identify such stories, locate sources to tell them, and share them with the public.
Questions to consider:

  • What previously overlooked, suppressed, or marginalized stories are you highlighting in your work? 
  • How are you including marginalized communities? 
  • How can you better connect with all of Connecticut’s residents? 

For the Common Good: As we reckon with what the nation’s 250th means in Connecticut, we will encourage civic engagement in an effort to continue building our communities, state, and nation in alignment with the democratic ideals of the founding documents. This conference track seeks to promote engagement with the democratic process, public service, and community building tied with the 250th.
Questions to consider:

  • How can we engage with one another to build the types of communities that we want to belong to? 
  • How can we engage volunteers in our communities and promote a spirit of volunteering?
  • What does it mean to be a citizen?

Doing History: In part, the commission’s work will focus on Connecticut’s role in the Revolutionary period — its people, sites, and historic context. This conference track will help tie together the ideals of the American Revolution, with an emphasis on Connecticut stories.
Questions to consider:

  • What 250th programs or exhibitions have you developed thus far?
  • Do you have new or exciting research to present on traditional figures in the 250th?
  • What are some ways you have pursued improving the historical narrative?

Conference Session Formats

We encourage sessions in the following formats:

  • Panel Presentation: This format includes up to three presenters who will each share a presentation on a topic and then answer audience questions. 
  • Roundtable: Roundtables consist of a group of no more than three presenters and a moderator discussing a topic in front of an audience, rather than each presenting discrete remarks. A moderator leads the discussion and poses questions, but all participants speak equally about the topics. 
  • Workshop: A hands-on session that teaches a particular skill that participants can learn and take back with them. 
  • Individual Presentation: Ten-minute presentations by individuals that relate to the conference theme. These will then be curated into a session of 4-5 similar presentations that fit within a track.
  • Poster Session: Create a poster highlighting your research, project, or ideas. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the conference, with dedicated time for presenters to share their work with attendees.
  • Other: Feel free to propose another session format for consideration by the conference committee.  

Conference Session Brainstorming

Would you like feedback on your session idea? Do you want to see if there is someone looking for a collaborator? Do you have questions about what track might be best for your idea? Join us for a virtual session to exchange ideas and discuss the conference. 

*Attending a brainstorming session is NOT a requirement prior to submitting a proposal.

Proposal Criteria

Conference sessions are scheduled for one hour. For presentation & roundtable discussions, we recommend building in time for questions and discussion.

To submit a session proposal, please complete the online form.  You will need:

  • Session Title
  • Name, title/role, organization, and a brief bio for each presenter
  • Session Format
  • Intended Conference Track
  • A summary of your session (50 words or less) for use in the conference program
  • A brief description of your session including the main objectives, connection to conference theme and track, and your intended audience. 

You may submit a session proposal as an individual or as part of an organization.

Proposals are due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 

Selected proposals will be informed by Friday, January 31, 2025.

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