The series of events, titled "Honoring 250 Years of the American Spirit: 1776-2026" will feature a variety of opportunities for the Elon community to learn and explore the nation's history and values.
Elon University will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States with a series of campus and community events designed to explore the nation’s history, values and evolving democracy through dialogue, scholarship and the arts.
The initiative, titled “Honoring 250 Years of the American Spirit: 1776–2026,” was officially launched during College Coffee on Feb. 10, introducing students, faculty and staff to a slate of programs that will examine the American experience from multiple perspectives. The series is intended to encourage reflection on the nation’s founding ideals while also creating space for thoughtful conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s future.
Throughout 2026, the university will host a range of events that blend civic engagement, historical exploration and cultural expression. Programs will highlight voices from across disciplines and communities, emphasizing inclusive dialogue and meaningful participation.
The schedule of events includes:
- Deliberative Dialogue | Feb. 23 | 4:30 p.m. | Lakeside Dining Hall
- Women’s History Month Luncheon featuring the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum | March 10 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Lakeside Meeting Rooms
- Beth Novak: Artificial Intelligence and Democracy | April 15 | 2:00 p.m. | LaRose Digital Theater
- Elon Wind Ensemble Spring Concert, “A Semiquincentennial Celebration” | May 6 | 7:30 p.m. | McCrary Theatre
- Americana Summer Movie Series | Summer 2026 | Dates and titles to be announced in May 2026
- Summer Picnic & Concert | June 25 | Under the Oaks