FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Museum and Center for Service and WETA launch “250 & Beyond: Our American Story” video panel to inspire civic unity ahead of America’s 250th anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Museum and Center for Service (NMCFS), in partnership with WETA, the flagship public media station serving the nation’s capital, is proud to announce the release of “250 & Beyond: Our American Story,” a special video conversation exploring our nation’s history, democracy, and the unifying spirit of service to others.
Hosted by Brian Baird, former U.S. Representative from Washington State and founder of the NMCFS, the distinguished panel features acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sarah Botstein alongside former U.S. Representatives Bob Inglis (R-SC), Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). Through a rich, bipartisan discussion, the panelists explore the deep motives and values of service in public office, reflecting on how this shared civic duty has shaped the American experiment and how it continues to be the key to our next 250 years.
Drawing heavily on the history of the American Revolution, the conversation bridges the founding ideals of the nation with modern-day civic engagement. Reflecting on the closing of the Declaration of Independence, the panel discusses how the founders pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” for the greater good. Host Brian Baird emphasizes that this same spirit continues in our communities today, describing service as “the hidden connector that brings people together”.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial in 2026, the organizers are inviting citizens, public libraries, college campuses, and local broadcast stations to bring this vital conversation to their own communities. To support these local dialogues, the organizers have released free comprehensive toolkit and engagement resources designed to spark civic action These resources include middle and high school civics discussion guides, intergenerational community interview placemats, and reflection values cards.
In addition to hosting community discussions, the 250 & Beyond initiative is issuing a national call to action for Americans to submit their own stories of service by sharing a written account, photos, or a 30-60 second video about what the culture of service looks like in their community. These story submissions will be shared by organizers and collaborators in an effort to paint a picture of the American culture of service for the semiquincentennial and beyond.
To watch the video conversation, access the toolkit, and submit a Story of Service, please visit www.250andbeyond.com/Conversation.
About the organizers:
WETA
Founded in 1961, WETA is the leading public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. audiences with educational, cultural, news, and public affairs programs.
The National Museum and Center for Service
A national 501c3 organization dedicated to inspiring hope and connection by making service to others visible and valued in all its forms.
Press Contact
Julie Budkowski, Managing Director, National Museum and Center for Service
Jodi Beznoska, Sr. Director of Communications, WETA