In 2026, the United States of America marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This national milestone offers an opportunity to reflect not only on the nation’s founding, but on the local histories that give it meaning. At the Leelanau Historical Society, we believe local history is the foundation of a national history. Local experiences and actions influence broader state and national stories, just as what happens at the national level shapes life in local communities.
The Leelanau Historical Society staff, along with museum professionals across the nation, have had this milestone on our minds for years. For the past five years, we’ve been working together behind the scenes to ensure this historic moment is commemorated thoughtfully and intentionally. A phrase staff keep coming back to, “Little Finger, Big History” reflects how Leelanau’s local stories are deeply connected to the broader American narrative. We want to make history feel personal, engaging, and inclusive—helping everyone find their place in history via our exhibits, programs, workshops, and services.
“As history professionals and citizens, we should approach 250th anniversary activities with a spirit of empathy and humility; with love of country and a desire to rekindle civic friendships; with respect for historical expertise and the perspectives of our fellow community members; with a forthright recognition of our obligations to our fellow citizens; and with a shared commitment to the common cause of an inclusive, democratic society.”
— John R. Dichtl, American Association of State & Local History
Leelanau County Celebrates America 250 – Logo Statement
This logo will serve as a unifying visual mark for Leelanau County’s America 250 efforts and will appear on exhibits, printed materials, educational resources, digital platforms, and promotional items throughout 2026. Its use reflects participation in the national commemoration while emphasizing Leelanau County’s local history and how it connects to the broader American story.
The flowing water elements and silhouette within the “0” honor the peninsula’s distinctive shape and the enduring relationship between land, water, and its stories. Water is a common thread throughout Leelanau County’s history, shaping how and why people came to this region. As a peninsula in the Great Lakes region with more water than land, Leelanau’s waters provided routes for travel and trade, sustained communities, and continues to influence life here today.
New Exhibit: “L is for Leelanau”
L is for Leelanau is an A–Z visual journey through the rich and layered history of our peninsula, honoring the people, places, and stories that define this remarkable region. Rooted in our mission of connecting visitors to the stories of this land and its people since 1957, this multigenerational exhibit invites the whole family to explore 26 unique concepts that bring local history to life. Discover a special feature, “If These Objects Could Talk,” showcasing artifacts from the LHS collection and the stories they carry – reminding us that local history is national history, especially in this America 250 moment.
Celebrate with us at the Exhibit Grand Opening and Member Appreciation Party (June 16th, 5-7pm) Not a member? Join or renew here to attend.
The exhibit will be on view for one year—visit our Exhibits Page for hours, admission, and more details.
2026 Schedule of Special Events & Programs
Whose American Revolution Was It—And Whose Is It Now?
Lecture by Gregory Nobles
Tuesday | May 12 | 7:00 PM
Old Art Building, 111 S Main St, Leland, MI 49654
Independence Day Parade
250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Saturday | July 4 | 3pm
Downtown Leland, MI
Old Time in the Current Times: An American Folk Concert with Ben Traverse
Wednesday | July 8 | 6:00 PM
The Friendship Community Center, 201 W Broadway, Suttons Bay, MI.
Co-Hosted Event: Leland Township Library, Leelanau Historical Society, Suttons Bay Bingham Distrist Library, Friendship Community Center
“Frontier to Freedom”
Documentary Film Screening
Director and Executive Producer: Keith Patterson, Manitou Films
https://frontiertofreedom.com/
Date & Location | TBA
Lecture with Philip J. Deloria
Wednesday | July 22 | 6:00 PM
Location to TBA
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday | October 12
Leland Cultural District
A Look Back: Leelanau’s Bicentennial Barn
Leelanau County has marked America’s major milestones in its own unique way, the last being during the Bicentennial in 1976. As the 250th Anniversary of the nation approaches in 2026, efforts to save these murals are underway.
The new owners of the Bicentennial Barn are on a mission!
“The barn exterior paint and art that was last completed in 2005 is faded and peeling. The vision is to repaint the barn starting in September of this year, ahead of next year’s 250th independence anniversary, with the original art and potentially another mural of a Leelanau County map on the south barn side, similar to the original 1976 mural of County.
The plan also includes painting of the roof in order to extend its life (like the Poor Barn project completed in 2021). The homeowners would like to rekindle the spirit of community involvement with the barn mural restoration; similar to the original project completed just prior to the Bicentennial in 1976.“
Project Update – Spring 2026
The Bicentennial Barn Owned by Scott and Tamara Stone
https://mibarn.net/programs/barn-of-the-year/Scott and Tarama Stone received the 2026 Barn of The Year Award from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network.
Visit their website to learn more about the project!
https://leelanau1776barn.org/
Ed Kahrs, unidentified, Arlen Ramsey (artist), and Ray Lamphear with the Bicentennial Barn mural,
painted for Leelanau County’s 1976 celebration of America’s 200th anniversary.