Northwest joining nation in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary

Northwest Missouri State University is joining institutions throughout the country this year in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.

The national initiative, called America250, is dedicated to engaging Americans in events and activities to commemorate the historic year in the nation's history.

"While we often think about the founding of this country as a story centered in the East Coast - a place far removed from us in Missouri - the ideas and concerns of the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers impacted people across time and place," Dr. Elyssa Ford, a professor of history who is helping organize America250 activities at the University. "Our America250 events at Northwest will showcase both 1776 and the impact of those ideas on Missouri."

The first America250 event at Northwest wil coincide with the University's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week when Ford will lead a discussion of the history of Emancipation Day in Nodaway County. African Americans across the United States commemorated the end of slavery, and celebrations took place in Nodaway County between the 1880s and 1930s.

The session begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Meeting Room B of the J.W. Jones Student Union.

Additionally, all Northwest students and employees are invited to join a reading group that will discuss "The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America," a new book by Jeffrey Rosen, a best-selling author and president of the National Constitution Center. Rosen's timely book follows the clashing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson in the late 18th century, Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War era, Franklin Roosevelt in the Great Depression, Ronald Reagan in the 1980s and Donald Trump today.

Dr. Mariliz Kastberg-Leonard, an assistant professor of political science at Northwest who was selected to attend an America at 250 symposium and seminar last year in Washington, D.C., will lead the discussions. Sessions will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Jan. 29, in Room 14 of Valk Center, and participants may attend all or a selection of the discussions as their schedules allow.

Joining Ford and Kastberg-Leonard in coordinating America250 activities at Northwest are Daniel Biegelson, a senior instructor of English, and Dr. Shay Malone, assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement.

Additional America250 activities at Northwest will be announced this spring, and events will continue during the fall semester.

Visit www.nwmissouri.edu/america250/ and the Northwest calendar at www.nwmissouri.edu/events/ to stay updated on upcoming activities, or contact Ford at [email protected] for more information.