250th U.S. Anniversary

Deadline: Monday, Nov. 16

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Montco is holding a series of vibrant events, activities, and reflections that connect our past to our present and future.

These events are sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in partnership with the Erb Charitable Fund and Montco's Student Government Association.

Montco’s A “More Perfect Union”: Voices of the American Past, Present, and Future, a 250th U.S. Anniversary project, has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this event do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Deadline: Monday, Nov. 16, 2026

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Montco students are invited to reflect on 250 years of America's stories by entering a video or essay in The American Experience Story Contest.

Videos can be either PowerPoint or similar presentations or documentary style short films, no longer than 5 minutes. Essays should be between 800-1,320 words (the length of the Declaration of Independence).

Entries should reflect on the American experience through the lens of something or some idea you are passionate about over the past 250 years. For example, a student interested in music might write about how different cultures have shaped American music.

Students may make up to one submission in each category; please do not make multiple submissions in one category.

The winning entries will be selected by members of the Student Government Association and the Liberal Arts faculty. They will select a total of three winners from across the two categories;  winners receive $250 and have the opportunity to share their work during the 2027 Spring Fling event. Please submit only original, human-made work. Register for the contest.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Declarations of Independence Writing & Reels Contest

The Declarations of Independence Writing & Reels contest welcomes written and video contributions from all Montco students reflecting on their personal declarations of independence, highlighting moments of growth, challenge, and/or personal transformation. Submissions that incorporate some of the themes or ideas of the original Declaration of Independence will be given special consideration during the judging.

Written submissions should not exceed 1,320 words (the length of the Declaration of Independence), and they can take any form, including fiction, non-fiction or poetry.  Video submissions should not exceed five minutes in length.

All materials should be submitted electronically. Written submissions should be uploaded as Word documents or pdf files, and videos should be uploaded as .mp4 files.

Winners and runners-up will be invited to read or screen their works (or portions of them) at an event in the spring.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with the Student Government Association.  Awards of $250 dollars had been given to the top selections in writing and in videography.  Two runners-up in each area received $50.

---

E Pluribus Unum (From the Many, One) Mural Design Contest

For this contest, all Montco students are invited to submit a colorful mural design that reflects the theme of “From the Many, One.”

The winning design will be painted (color by number style) by the entire Montco community during paint-in events held in conjunction with Student Government Association elections (e.g., “Paint with a Candidate”) and then assembled for the community at an event in the spring.

This shared project celebrates the many voices that make up our diverse Montco community and emphasizes the importance of the arts to bring people together.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with the Student Government Association. An award of $250 dollars had been given to the designer of the winning mural.

---

Justice Bell Song Contest

View More Information  

Create an original piece of music, lyrics or instrumentals and a 250-word (or less) essay explaining how the piece was inspired by the Justice Bell Replica (currently on display at the entrance of the Brendlinger Library in College Hall on the Blue Bell Campus). The contest is open to all students and employees, and there is no limit on the number of entries a person can submit.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on March 31, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center atrium, Blue Bell Campus.

Six prizes of $500 each had been awarded.

Funded by the Jonas C., Marion D., and Robert H. Erb Charitable Fund

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
10-11:30 a.m. in Advanced Technology Center 101

This is a workshop for all students on civic dialogue hosted by the Committee of 70's Can We Talk? group. Our workshop will take different amendments to the Constitution as the topics. Participants will learn ground rules and guidelines for civic dialogue and then participate in a moderated breakout group discussion. You can learn more at Committee of 70. Students at the Pottstown Campus can register to participate synchronously via Zoom. 

Register Now
Registration is required

Dr. Emily Sneff: The Declaration of Independence 250 Years Later

Dr. Emily Sneff is an early American historian and leading expert on the United States Declaration of Independence. She received her Ph.D. in History from William & Mary. She is a consulting curator and advisor for museum exhibitions and public programs marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration in 2026.

As the United States prepares for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, learn about the content, context, and legacy of this important text. Dr. Emily Sneff will take you back in time to 1776 to explore who, what, where, when, how, and why behind the decision to declare independence from Great Britain and then move through time to understand what past anniversaries have looked like and how the Declaration continues to impact people today.

---

Can We Talk? Workshop on Civic Dialogue

This is a workshop for all students on civic dialogue hosted by the Committee of 70's Can We Talk? Group. Our workshop will take different amendments to the constitution as the topics.  Participants will learn ground rules and guidelines for civic dialogue and then participate in a moderated breakout group discussion. Pizza will be served at the Blue Bell Campus at 1:30 p.m. prior to the event for participants.

---

Montco “StoryCorps” – A Celebration of Freedom

All are welcome to record a story alone or with a friend, family member, or mentor on the theme of independence. What does independence mean to you? Is it a complicated concept? Share a moment when you realized or experienced independence or a lack of it. 

Sign up in advance to reserve your time slot and receive details for preparing. Visit the Montco “StoryCorps registration form.

What is “StoryCorps?”

Inspired by the national StoryCorps initiative, this Montco event honors the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. Together, we’ll capture meaningful moments that reflect our shared humanity.  Learn more

What to Expect

The audio recording session can last up to five minutes and will be edited by Sound Recording & Music Technology students into a clean, sharp story of about three minutes that will be shared with the student and in the Montco Library archives.

---

History Jeopardy

Let’s play History Jeopardy! This fun event is open to all students. Small prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be served.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with Student Affairs.

---

Justice Bell Replica Documentary Screening & Song Contest Award Announcement

This powerful documentary, “Finding Justice: The Untold Story of Women’s Fight for the Vote,” uncovers the inspiring history behind the Justice Bell and the courageous women who helped reshape American democracy. Discover the legacy of their struggle and the symbol that rang out for equality.