This year, the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial” of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation.

“America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imaging what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come.” Rosie Rios, Chair, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Appointed by the House and Senate leadership of both parties, the nonpartisan Commission is composed of 16 private citizens, 4 U.S. Representatives and 4 Senators, as well as 12 Ex Officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies.

One of the initiatives of U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission is America Gives. The United States has a long history of service and civic engagement. The initiative encourages Americans to take a “Year of Service” pledge, fostering community, patriotism, and a lasting culture of giving back to commemorate the 250th anniversary. The initiative is designed to be inclusive and to highlight the American history and spirit of service in all its forms.

We are working on a new temporary exhibit, which will be located in the Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Lyon County Museum. The exhibit’s theme is on organizations in Lyon County. The theme coincides with the America 250 and the America Gives initiative. Some examples include: Scouts, Red Cross, G.A.R., Modern Woodmen, Women’s Study Groups, Masonic Organizations, 4-H, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Odd Fellows, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lion’s Club, VFW, Jaycees, FFA, etc… We are looking for items to be donated or placed on loan for the duration of the exhibit. Give me a call at 507-537-6580 if you have something that could possibly work in this exhibit.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows Girl Scouts preparing to deliver posters for the Red Cross. The photograph appeared in the Marshall Daily Messenger on Feb. 27, 1957. They are identified as: Mary Rehkamp, Elizabeth “Lizann” Pelkey, Mrs. Arden Warnke, Judy Sovell, and Lou Jean Hebert.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.