Celebrate America250: Join 2.5 Million Acts of Science this Citizen Science Month

Citizen Science Month is a global celebration of citizen science every April. As an official partner of America Gives — the largest volunteer movement in American history and a cornerstone of America250 — SciStarter is proud to spotlight America250 this year as we work toward 2.5 Million Acts of Science in April 2026.

Centering your America250 efforts on citizen science is a powerful way to engage your community in the celebration! Both movements inspire Americans to take meaningful action — whether by honoring our shared history or contributing valuable data to inform the future.

Learn how your library can be part of the movement! Already planning programming? Let us know about it.

America250

The United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Semiquincentennial is celebrated all year in 2026. This milestone is a time to:

  • Celebrate creativity, innovation, and civic participation.
  • Look ahead to the future we want to create, for ourselves and the next generation.
  • Share the full America’s story, before and beyond the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Learn More

Citizen Science Month

Each April, everyone is invited to join the One Million Acts of Science challenge. This year, we’ll have a special focus on America250 as we aim for 2.5 Million Acts.

  • Plan citizen science programs and events to help more people find ways to participate in science.
  • Report Acts to make them count!
  • Connect citizen science to America250 celebrations.
  • Celebrate the collective impact people-powered science!
Learn More

Preparing for America250 with SciStarter

Through three phases—Inspire & Listen, Equip & Prepare, and Act & Celebrate—you’ll prepare for April using free resources, trainings, examples and support.

Timeline: Fall 2025 (September-December)

Goal: Build excitement and awareness around citizen science while connecting to local values, interests, and history.

Examples:

  • Host displays, tabling events, or short programs introducing citizen science.
  • Share stories about historical figures who practiced science (e.g., Benjamin Franklin, Indigenous observers, community health workers).
  • Hold a community listening session or use survey templates to gather input on local priorities (e.g., environment, health, history).
  • Use tools like My Wish for the U.S., OnOur250th.org, or story mapping to gather hopes for the future.
  • Invite local leaders, elders, or youth to co-lead conversations.

How SciStarter Can Help: 

  • Provide ready-to-use materials (flyers, posters, bookmarks) to introduce citizen science to your patrons.
  • Host monthly Citizen Science Month: 2.5 Million Acts of Science planning calls. 
  • Promote your activities via the SciStarter events page

Timeline: Winter 2026 (January- March)

Goal: Get ready! Train staff and volunteers, select citizen science projects, and prep your space and schedule. This phase ensures everyone has the skills, tools, and confidence to take action together—fostering local ownership and sustainability.

Examples:

  • Complete the Foundations of Citizen Science and SciStarter Ambassador trainings and share it with staff and volunteers.
  • Choose projects from SciStarter or your state’s A250 priorities (e.g., pollinators, air quality, local weather, health).
  • Download or request free toolkits, guides, or activity kits.
  • Identify dates and formats for events in April–July (single events, series, tabling, etc.).
  • Connect with SciStarter Ambassadors or nearby library teams for co-planning.

How SciStarter Can Help: 

Timeline: Spring/Summer 2026 (April – July)

Goal:  Engage your community in 2.5 million Acts of Science—then celebrate the impact.  This phase transforms inspiration and preparation into meaningful action—reminding all Americans that participation is patriotic, and science is a tool for building a better tomorrow.

Examples:

  • Host one or more citizen science events during Citizen Science Month (April)—from Moth Nights to weather monitoring to local history documentation.
  • Add your events to SciStarter.org/add-event to have your events featured.
  • Encourage patrons to log their “Acts of Science” on CitizenScienceMonth.org
  • Share updates and photos on social media using #America250 #ActsofScience.
  • Celebrate with a showcase event in June or early July: share data collected, display art or stories from participants, and reflect on what was learned.
  • Offer certificates or recognition for local contributors.

How SciStarter Can Help: 

  • Feature your events in national calendars and help you log them toward the 2.5 million Acts of Science goal.
  • Provide printable and digital celebration materials—including participation certificates, signage, and social graphics.
  • Share an “Impact Tracker” dashboard so you can see and share your contributions in real time.
  • Support you with event-day troubleshooting, reminders, and recognition tools
  • Offer templates for storytelling, reflection, and showcasing community findings—perfect for July 4th celebrations.

Additional America250 Resources

Logos and Social Media Graphic
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) resources
State and Territories Commissions
Made by Us 
PBS Film 
Handwork: Celebrating American Craft
  • Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 is a national Semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America: https://www.handwork2026.org/about/