America 250 Starts Here | Explore the Stories That Shaped Us
Celebrate America 250 and Colorado 150 with Your Library
America's story is made up of millions of moments, voices, and ideas. In 2026, communities across the nation are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, while Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood.
At the Clearview Library District, we invite you to explore the stories that shaped our nation, state, and community through exhibits, programs, books, digital resources, local history collections, genealogy resources, and more.
Whether you're uncovering your family's roots, learning about local history, discovering a new perspective through a book, or visiting a museum, there are countless ways to participate in this once-in-a-generation commemoration. Best of all, your library card gives you free access to many of the resources and experiences highlighted in this article.
Featured Experience: Moments That Made US Exhibition
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate America 250 and Colorado 150 is by exploring the Moments That Made US exhibition, presented in partnership with the Town of Windsor Museums.
Located across four sites in Windsor and Severance, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the people, events, ideas, and defining moments that helped shape our nation, state, and local communities. Each location features a unique theme, connecting local stories to the broader American experience.
The exhibition is free to visit, open during regular facility hours, and available through Dec. 31, 2026.
Learn more about the Moments That Made US exhibition.
Attend Programs and Events
Throughout July, experience history through storytelling, local authors, community traditions, and special programs and events inspired by the people, places, and stories that connect us.
Featured opportunities include:
- July 1 — Red, White & Rocky Mountain Birthday Bash
10–11:30 a.m. • Severance Library • All ages
Celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary and America's 250th anniversary with games, crafts, music, and birthday fun for the whole family. - July 8 — Preserving Our Memories: Learn the Art of Junk Journaling
5–6:30 p.m. • Windsor Library • Adults (ages 18+)
Turn everyday keepsakes—including receipts, bookmarks, tickets, and other mementos—into a unique work of art, then leave with a small journal to continue creating at home. - July 14 — Local Author Talk: Unearthing Colorado's History
5–6:30 p.m. • Windsor Art & Heritage Center • Adults (ages 18+)
Meet local authors Sarah Hahn Campbell and Afton Rorvik as they share and sign their books exploring lesser-known stories from Colorado's past. - July 15 — Kitchen Keepsakes: A Clearview Recipe Swap
5–6:30 p.m. • Severance Library • Adults (ages 18+)
Bring a favorite dish and a written recipe that reflects your personal history, then help create a Clearview Recipe Binder to be shared at both library locations. - July 21 — Digging for Dinos: Exploring Dinosaur Ridge
5:30–7 p.m. • Severance Library • Adults (ages 18+)
Discover Colorado's Dinosaur Ridge, home to the world's first Stegosaurus discovery, and learn how its fossils continue to shape our understanding of prehistoric life. - July 30 — Music Bingo for Adults: Sesquisemiquincentennial Edition
6–7 p.m. • Severance Library • Adults (ages 18+)
Test your music knowledge as song titles replace numbers in this fun twist on traditional bingo while celebrating America's rich musical heritage.
Browse our online events calendar for complete program details, registration information, and additional free events throughout the year.
Read the Stories That Shaped America
Books help us explore history through new perspectives, diverse voices, and unforgettable experiences. To commemorate America 250 and Colorado 150, we've curated reading lists for all ages to help you discover stories from across our nation and state.
Each curated reading list includes titles you can borrow with your library card.
Discover your next great read.
Watch, Listen, and Learn
Your library card gives you free access to digital resources that bring America’s stories to life through documentaries, films, music, and more.
Hoopla
Explore history through eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more with curated America 250 collections.
- America’s 250th Anniversary – Complete Collection
- America’s Greatest Stories – Ken Burns Collection
- History on Demand – Docuseries Collection
Kanopy
Stream films and documentaries featuring pivotal moments, cultural movements, and personal stories from American history.
America's Soundtrack
Celebrate America's musical heritage by exploring songs and artists that helped shape our nation's cultural story.
Freegal Music
Stream millions of songs with your library card, including Clearview Library District's custom playlist, The Stories That Shaped Us.
Start watching, listening, and learning with your library card.
Discover Your Family's Place in History
Every family has a story.
Whether your ancestors arrived generations ago or more recently, your library card gives you free access to genealogy and historical resources that can help you uncover connections to the people, places, and events that shaped the world around us.
Featured resources include:
- Ancestry Library Edition
- MyHeritage Library Edition
- Fold3 Military Records
- Newspapers.com Library Edition
- Biography Reference Source
- History Reference Source
Start discovering your family's story.
Explore Local History
History begins close to home.
From Windsor's agricultural roots and Severance's small-town heritage to the evolving neighborhoods and communities of West Greeley, our region is filled with stories worth discovering. Together, these communities help tell the story of Weld County, Northern Colorado, and the people who have shaped the place we call home.
Browse local history resources that help preserve and share the stories of Windsor, Severance, West Greeley, and the surrounding region.
Windsor History
Severance History
Local History Highlights
Colorado History
Explore the stories that shaped our community.
Explore Beyond the Library
Continue your journey by visiting museums and cultural attractions across Northern Colorado with a Clearview Library District Adventure Pass. Your library card gives you free access to participating attractions where you can explore history, science, culture, and art throughout the region.
Featured attractions include:
- Colorado Model Railroad Museum
- Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
- History Colorado Center
- Loveland Museum
See where your Adventure Pass can take you.
Start Exploring
America 250 and Colorado 150 offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and moments that have shaped our nation, our state, and our community.
Whether you visit the Moments That Made US exhibition, attend a program, discover a new book, explore local history, stream a documentary, or uncover your family's story, we invite you to connect with the people, ideas, and experiences that continue to shape our community and connect us to one another.
Start exploring—and discover the stories that continue to shape us.