As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, Queens Public Library will celebrate this historic milestone throughout the summer with special programs and events, educational offerings, exhibits, and more.
“Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy, upholding the values reflected in the Declaration of Independence, and as our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, we are proud to offer opportunities for people of all ages to explore the many stories, perspectives, and experiences that have shaped our country,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Through exhibits, discussions, hands-on programs, and virtual tours, we invite our communities to reflect on our shared history, deepen their understanding of the past, and consider the ongoing pursuit of freedom and opportunity in America.”
Central Library will present Before New York, a traveling exhibit from the New York Botanical Garden, from July 25 to August 22. The exhibition reconstructs the natural landscape and Indigenous communities in New York City as they existed in September 1609, just before Henry Hudson arrived.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Central Library will present “America 250: Discovering the Ecological Stories Beneath our Neighborhoods” on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 12 p.m. Participants will explore how the Queens landscape has changed over time, how communities have shaped local ecology, and how residents can help create healthier environmental futures. Through digital exploration, storytelling, discussion, and the creation of seed balls using seeds and clay, attendees will connect with the ecological history of their neighborhoods and reflect on their own experiences living in New York City.
QPL locations across the borough will be offering special storytimes and crafts such as flag painting, making hanging-star creations, and tall ship crafts. Teens can explore architectural history, from Native American dwellings to modern skyscrapers, and create a 3D timeline featuring structures from different eras. The program will be offered at North Hills Library (57-04 Marathon Parkway) on Monday, July 13, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Young adults can also discover local scientific achievements and innovators during “America 250: Science Across America Teen Dialogue” at Hunters Point Library (47-40 Center Boulevard) on Saturday, July 11, from 3 to 4 p.m. The program features interactive activities exploring the past, present, and future of science, and highlights scientific work taking place in local communities.
Queens Name Explorer, an initiative featuring an interactive map with information about the people for whom public spaces and signs are named throughout Queens, will lead virtual walking tours showcasing historic sites across the borough, with highlights in Flushing, Jamaica, and Newtown (today known primarily as Elmhurst).
Beginning July 1, all QPL locations will distribute a special 250th anniversary trading card.
For a full lineup of QPL programs and events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, go to queenslibrary.org/
Caption:
Young adults can discover local scientific achievements and innovators during “America 250: Science Across America Teen Dialogue” at Hunters Point Library (47-40 Center Boulevard) on Saturday, July 11, from 3 to 4 p.m.