PARTNER
ACTIVATION
OPPORTUNITIES
What's Already in Motion
Museum & Arts
GRAM
- A new exhibit thematically tied to GR A250
- A tour (with options for guided or self-guided) of approximately 10 pieces of art, which will tie into the anniversary celebrations
- The 2026 event will be themed around GR A250
- Art & America lectures series
THE GVSU Art Museum
- 2025 art fall tour: Developing an art tour for the fall of 2025, which will be a walking tour using mobile phones
- A blog series will focus on art they are not displaying
The Hauenstein Center
- GR A250 will be the highlight of programming in 2026 through lecture series and more
- The Common Ground programs will focus on presenting civil discourse from a variety of viewpoints
- Future presidents program: Partner with Ford Museum on future Presidents of America program
General
- GR Symphony + A250 concert series
- GR A250 walking tour for art
K-12
- We The People + Book clubs: Civic learning with simulated congressional hearings & joint reading of "JFK’s Profiles in Courage"
- Teacher professional development: Full-day workshops in July/Aug & Oct on Bill of Rights, teaching agreeable disagreement (in partnership with NCC and Bill of Rights Institute)
- School programming: Partnering with "We Talk" to provide curriciulum in agreeable disagreement in Kent County schools.
Walking Tour Options
- The Ford Museum has a walking tour, focused on the Ford family in Grand Rapids, as well as a Trail program with Scouting America
Events
- Celebrating Grand Rapids' 175th birthday online and with historical pop-up banners for at key locations around the city
- Democracy Cafe: Mobile museum + free refreshments traveling GR activating and teaching the Declaration and how to engage
Youth
- They will leverage GR A250 to focus on promoting civic values and community service
- Community engagement is typically done on a troop level, this program will include recognition for individual projects and community service
- The Girl Scout Council would like to create a 2025-2026 patch program/ campaign to encourage girls to earn their new Leadership awards (Community advocacy pin and/or the Courage, Confidence, and Character)
New Americans
- Looking for opportunities to use storytelling, art, and civic engagement to highlight immigrant contributions and empower newcomers
- Parent academy: Helping new New American parents navigate local resources
PROSPECTIVE
ACTIVATION
OPPORTUNITIES
Untapped Community Partnerships
Business + Industry
- GR A250 concert series
- Airport voice over
Museums
- GR A250 day at museums and local attractions
- America art tour
- Art installations
- Lecture series
- Library program:
- Book recommendation related to GR A250 themes, history, etc.
Events
- GR A250 festival
- Fourth of July fireworks (2026)
- Concert series
Athletics
- All teams wear GR A250 logo during duration of 25–26 (or 26–27) season
- Co-branded GR A250 banners
- GR A250 anthem video before games
- GR A250 floor / field LogosCo-brand or other recognition with major sporting events
- GR A250 run
- GR A250 triathalon
Restaurant + Brewery
- GR A250 themed restaurant week or month
- Bars have GR A250 themed drinks
- Resturant of the month
- Speaker series
Community + Civic Groups
- Civics in a Box
- Grand River clean-up day
- GR A250 community garden
- Ice cream cart or democracy cafe
- Partner with a committee for voter education:
- How to sign up
- Why mid-term elections matter
New Americans
- Time capsule
Get Involved in the Celebration
Grand Rapids’ story is not just about its past — it's also about everyone who calls this city home. This year, we invite you to be part of the next chapter by joining in the festivities and activities that make our anniversary meaningful.
Whether you volunteer, attend an event or share your own story of Grand Rapids, you’re helping to shape the legacy we pass down to future generations. Every person’s involvement strengthens our community, making Grand Rapids a place where everyone belongs and contributes to a brighter future.
Whether you volunteer, attend an event or share your own story of Grand Rapids, you’re helping to shape the legacy we pass down to future generations. Every person’s involvement strengthens our community, making Grand Rapids a place where everyone belongs and contributes to a brighter future.
Let’s make this milestone unforgettable.
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July 4, 2026
Get Event NotificationsJuly 4, 2026