Members of the three branches of government housed in the Nebraska State Capitol came together to celebrate Independence Day, July 4, 2026, on the north steps of the Capitol. Those assembled created a living United States flag in the shape of Nebraska in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Everyone enjoyed the celebration and shared in the pride of being an American in the Great State of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Semi quincentennial Commission will be sponsoring and coordinating numerous events across Nebraska to help the nation celebrate the 250 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across Nebraska are encouraged to develop and hold their own celebrations of America’s founding with the American Revolution. For more information on how to become part of the state-wide celebration or find out what events are planned across the state contact the Nebraska Semi quincentennial Commission.
The Office of the Capitol Commission is displaying the White House-created Founders Museum. This innovative exhibit, sponsored by the Nebraska Semiquincentennial Commission, showcases the lives and legacies of the patriots who forged our path to independence as it celebrates the founding of the United States of America. The Founders Museum includes photographs and information about the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 6 influential Ladies of the Revolution and 20 key moments in the battle for Independence. Each individual exhibit displays a QR code taking viewers to a virtual museum including extended biographies of the founders, reenactors bringing the events of the revolution to life and the founders speaking their thoughts on a founding directly to us. The exhibit on the walls between offices in the outer square of the first floor of the Capitol is available for viewing during public building hours through the summer of 2026.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independencet, the Office of the Capitol Commission created a commemorative mug featuring Capitol sculptor Lee Lawrie’s Signing of the Declaration of Independence relief panel. In further celebration of America 250, the 2026 Capitol Commemorative ornament is a reproduction of the Great Seal of the United States as it appears on the front façade of the Capitol. These items will be available in the Nebraska State Historical Society Capitol Gift Shop, or contact roxanne.smith@nebraska.gov.