A diverse group of people stand with raised right hands at a citizenship ceremony during civic season in a brick-walled room, while others sit and watch. An official stands at a podium in front of them.

The Civic Season

Celebrate the nation’s 250th with Civic Season programs and exhibits at the Heinz History Center this summer!     

Join the History Center and more than 500 cultural organizations across America for the sixth annual Civic Season, held in partnership with the Smithsonian and the History Made By Us coalition.

A blue and white checkered background with red stars and bold text reading "Civic Season at the History Center. *AI generated alt text

Civic Season is a new summer tradition focused on utilizing the country’s past to prepare for the future. The initiative unites the nation’s newest holiday, Juneteenth, with its oldest holiday, the Fourth of July, and is co-designed with Gen Z learners, thought leaders, and historians.  

The Civic Season in Pittsburgh is supported by the Nimick Forbesway Foundation and Grable Foundation. It is part of the History Center’s America 101 history and civics initiative.

A group of young adults in Pittsburgh Steelers jackets pose at an indoor America 250 event; a crowd and warm lighting are visible. *AI generated alt text

History After Hours: America 250

Choose your own museum adventure filled with cocktails, crafting, vintage shopping, trivia, and more at this special 250th birthday bash on Thursday, June 25!

2026 Civic Season Programs

From Slavery to Freedom Film Series: “American Dignity”

Join the African American Program for a free in-person screening of “American Dignity” on Wednesday, June 17. Presented as part of the From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, the documentary follows voting rights organizer Charles Douglas III as he seeks guidance and clarity from civil rights veteran Charles Mauldin.

History After Hours: America 250

For one night only, join the History Center as we toast to the nation’s 250th anniversary with five floors of revolutionary revelry on Thursday, June 25. Choose your own museum adventure filled with cocktails, crafting, vintage shopping, American history, and interactive experiences at this special 21+ birthday bash.

American Icons: Legends and Truths

Join chief historian Anne Madarasz in conversation with artists featured in the My America exhibit as they share their work and discuss the creative techniques they used to interpret the subjects of their art.

Fourth at the Fort

Kick off America’s 250th birthday at historic Point State Park for a special Fourth at the Fort celebration! Join costumed re-enactors, veterans, scouts, elected officials, and museum staff on July 4 to ceremoniously raise a 36-foot American flag as part of a moving patriotic ceremony to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

History Talk: The Two Revolutions of 1776

Explore how two world-changing events in 1776—the declaration of American independence and the commercial introduction of the Watt steam engine—set the American and Industrial Revolutions in motion and converged in Pittsburgh to shape the future on July 4.

Honoring America: Fourth of July Flag Folding

Participate in a ceremony featuring the unfurling and folding of a giant 36-foot American flag at the History Center on July 4. Reflect upon the civic democracy and history that the flag represents while learning the history of the adoption of the nation’s flag.

Meadowcroft Independence Day Celebration

Step into the past and experience the roots of American history with a day full of festive fun at Meadowcroft. Enjoy hands-on historical demonstrations, try your hand at traditional games, and discover how early Americans lived, worked, and celebrated.

Exhibitions

My America: An Illustrated Experience

In partnership with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, local artists share what America means to them through imagery inspired by the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity.

Pittsburgh’s Revolution

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Fort Pitt Museum unveils Pittsburgh’s Revolution, a dynamic new exhibition exploring Western Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and its impact on the founding of America.

Wish Wall

In partnership with Made By Us, the Wish Wall invites visitors to reflect on the country’s future by answering one powerful question: “What’s your wish for America?” Add your voice to this growing community conversation during select programs and events through July 4!

America 101

The History Center’s involvement in Civic Season and the Made By Us national coalition is an extension of its ongoing civics initiative, America 101, which engages the public to learn American history through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum.

America 101 engages the public to learn American history through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum.

America 101 is supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation.