As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Wittenberg University is proud to join the nation’s celebration of this milestone with special events held throughout the year.
Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, 7 p.m.
As part of the Wittenberg Series, the William A. Kinnison Endowed Lecture in History will feature Benjamin H. Irvin, Ph.D., social and cultural historian of early America and the U.S., who will present “I Still Have an Independent Spirit: Disabled Veterans and Pension Assistance After the Revolutionary War.”
- Bayley Auditorium, Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center
March 2-6, 2026: FIRE Week
Students participating in the MurALL: Public Art and Community program will collaborate with Project Jericho and the Heritage Center on a community mural project.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
During the University’s annual day of giving, Commit to Witt, the “Where’s Ezry?” Tiger Hunt will include special America 250-branded tigers.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Rain date: Friday, May 8, 2026)
An oak tree will be planted in Myers Hollow.
April 17, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
The Heritage Center will dedicate the installation of the community mural on the first floor of the galleries in Expo Hall. Designed by local artist and visiting assistant professor of art Kelley Booze, the mural represents in a colorful way the sources of power throughout history that are represented in the museum. Booze and Amanda McClellan, director of Thomas Library, oversaw the completion of the mural during FIRE Week in March.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 2 – 5 p.m.
The campus community is invited to participate in the We The People of Ohio tour at City Hall Plaza, 76 E. High St. in downtown Springfield. This statewide art and civic engagement initiative brings a giant hand-painted replica of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution to communities across Ohio. Join thousands of people from across the country whose signatures will travel to Washington, D.C. on July 4th, where nearly 700 feet of artwork will be assembled and displayed.
Summer 2026
The Hagen Center Civic Internship program will incorporate themes around America’s 250th. Students will explore the concept of “We the People” and participate in a national storytelling initiative "What Does America Means to Me?"
July 2026
Wittenberg faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in the Springfield community-wide picnic. Details forthcoming
August 2026
Wittenberg University will contribute items to the Heritage Center time capsule.
August 20-23, 2026: Welcome Week
The Class of 2030 will create a time capsule as part of new student orientation activities.