May 13, 2026 – The Decatur Public Library is inviting the community to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a new series of themed events focused on history, culture, and entertainment.
The America250 program series kicks off later this month with several events designed to engage teens, history enthusiasts, and trivia fans alike as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial celebration.
The first event in the series will be the America250 Teen After-Hours Movie Night featuring a showing of the hit musical film “Hamilton” on Friday, May 22, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Teens are invited to enjoy the free event, which includes popcorn and an after-hours movie experience at the library.
The celebration continues Thursday, May 28, with “America250 They Fought Too,” an illustrated lecture highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black Revolutionaries during the American Revolution. The presentation will explore the stories of Black men and women who fought, spied, wrote, argued, sailed, and labored in pursuit of liberty and representation during the nation’s founding.
The lecture was commissioned by the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and will be presented by historian Ms. Keyes, who has spent nearly two decades lecturing on historical topics.
The library’s America250 programming will also include an America250 Trivia Night on Friday, June 5. Participants can test their knowledge of American history, literature, movies, music, and local facts while competing for prizes and bragging rights. Teams of four to six people are encouraged to participate. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with trivia beginning at 6 p.m.
Library officials say the America250 series is designed to bring the community together through educational and entertaining programming that celebrates the diverse stories and culture that shaped the nation.
More information about the events and the library’s programming schedule can be found through the Decatur Public Library website.
