As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) has launched “250 for the 250th,” a national digital repository and website designed to showcase one piece of American history from archives in every state, DC, and the seven territories. The goal is to receive a minimum of 250 documents, but the hope is to include many more.
The project invites archives of all types—large and small, public and private, academic, community-based, and independent—to contribute a single item to the website. Together, these contributions will form a collective portrait of the nation’s rich, multifaceted, and often complex history.
“As archivists, we safeguard the truth of our country’s many histories, the good, the bad, the uncomfortable, and the complicated,” said Sarah Quigley, Chair of the SAA America 250 Task Force. “In the face of federal policies that would obfuscate the realities of American history, it is essential for archivists to bring forward the evidence that exists within our repositories and shine a light on the stories in our custody.”
A Nationwide Invitation to Participate
Rather than focusing solely on well-known national narratives, “250 for the 250th" emphasizes the breadth and diversity of archival collections across the country. Participating repositories are encouraged to submit materials that highlight local history, underrepresented voices, everyday life, civic engagement, and moments of change—past and present.
Submissions may include documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, born-digital records, or other archival materials, including metadata to accompany the submission on the platform. Each contribution represents one archives and one story, reinforcing the idea that American history is built from countless individual experiences preserved at the local level.
To create this digital repository, SAA has partnered with Preservica to create a platform that will host and display these documents.
Highlights of the 250 for the 250th Initiative Include:
- Nationwide Representation: The initiative aims to collect one record from archives in every state, DC, and the seven US territories.
- Centralized Access: The website is publicly accessible, giving people everywhere the opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of US history.
- Inclusive Storytelling: With so many varied stories to tell, there is an emphasis on historical records that reflect the full diversity of communities, experiences, and perspectives.
- Archivists at the Center: This project highlights the essential work archivists do to preserve, interpret, and provide access to the historical record.
How to Participate
Archives interested in contributing to “250 for the 250th" can find submission guidelines, deadlines, and project details at https://www2.archivists.org/groups/america250-task-force/250-for-the-250th. SAA welcomes participation from repositories regardless of size or topic.
As documents, images, and stories are added, you can follow along at www.tinyurl.com/SAA250.
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