In 1776, the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain. Remembering that momentous date in American history has become an important event in the United States. In 1976 we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and are now approaching the 250th anniversary (called a semiquincentennial) in 2026.

This tour introduces you to the way that Indiana marked the year 1976. Celebrations ranged depending on location. From reenactments and fireworks to fleets of ships sailing in celebration, the parties of 1976 were a sight to see.

The 1976 Bicentennial also saw a huge leap in advertising and sales. Companies across the nation began rebranding their products in Stars and Stripes, founding-father imagery, and an overarching sense of patriotism and freedom. Have you ever seen a quarter with a soldier drumming on the back

If so, you have seen a relic from the 1976 celebrations, as even the US mint hopped on the patriotic wave. Some historians have asked, was this truly patriotism, or was this rebranding to spike consumer purchases during this anniversary event

For example, in her book "The Spirit of 1976: Commerce, Community, and the Politics of Commemoration," historian Tammy S. Gordon says that the mass consumption of bicentennial products was not necessarily patriotism but was a corporate grab at using Americans’ fear of missing out to make money. Because states west of the original colonies don’t have much or any American Revolutionary war history, consumer products enabled everyone across the nation to participate if they so chose.

As we approach the 250th anniversary celebrations, you might be asking yourself the same questions people in 1976 asked: "Must I travel to other states?" "Is the only way I can celebrate through buying products and traveling?"

The answer is no! We have sites right here in our Hoosier state!

This tour will take you on a trip across Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, highlighting artifacts of the U.S.Bicentennial, the final resting places of Patriot soldiers, and learning centers helping to bring history alive! This tour will take you through beautiful towns like South Bend, New Carlisle, and Fort Wayne, and Niles, MI, to see museums, cemeteries, commemorative sites and more!