The Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz (Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation) takes the 250th anniversary of the United States—meanwhile a historic date on a global scale—as an opportunity to highlight the many connections between the holdings of its institutions and the history of the Americas. Through lectures, discussions, conferences, and workshops, as well as exhibition interventions and special presentations, museums, libraries, and archives unfold a multifaceted panorama and invite visitors to expand their own images of the Americas through different stories and perspectives.
The 4th of July, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. In this document, thirteen British colonies declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776. They formed the United States of America, even though they initially represented only a small part of the continent: the territories along the East Coast from Georgia to Maine.
Eleven years later, they adopted a constitution. “We the People” are the opening words of the United States Constitution. Yet this “We” was exclusive: only a select group was included, even within the thirteen former colonies. The indigenous population remained largely unaccounted for. At the same time, this “We” suggests a close-knit community united into a single America. However, above all the states were united in their rejection of the restrictions imposed by the British Crown. Over time, promises of freedom and a drive for expansion – also by military means – transformed the former transatlantic colonies into a world power.
In the United States, Independence Day has been celebrated since the very first year. On the occasion of this anniversary, the U.S. is celebrating its national holiday with particular ceremony this year. The Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz takes the 250th anniversary—meanwhile a historic date on a global scale—as an opportunity to highlight the many connections between the holdings of its institutions and the history of the Americas in a multifaceted panorama of lectures, discussions, conferences, and workshops, as well as exhibition interventions and special presentations. Just as there is not one but many Americas—stretching from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska and Newfoundland, each with its own unique characteristics—there is not just one image of America, nor one singular understanding of the United States, even though this impression is increasingly conveyed today.
The programme initiative offers its visitors a variety of options; the title “We the People” is meant to be inclusive here: The programmes address everyone and invite visitors to expand their own images of the Americas through different stories and perspectives. For this has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest strengths of the two American continents: creating spaces for diversity, openness, and hospitality.