LOS ALTOS, CA (Jun 2, 2026) – As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans may feel conflicted about the state of the nation. Los Altos History Museum invites visitors to reflect on the country’s past and imagine its future through a new exhibition, The Spirit of ’76: Reflecting on America’s 250th, on view June 18 – November 8, 2026.
“I think it’s important, especially on milestone anniversaries, to take a moment to consider what the words of the Declaration of Independence meant in 1776, and what they mean today,” said Exhibition Curator Dr. Amy Ellison. “It’s a living document—it doesn’t just belong to Jefferson and the founding generation; it belongs to each and every one of us.”
Alongside national stories, the exhibition explores how communities marked major national milestones and reflected on the state of the nation, featuring local connections such as the Anza expedition—also commemorating its 250th anniversary—and photographs from the Los Altos Bicentennial parade. Visitors will also see Peggy Fleming’s bicentennial skating costume on loan from History San Jose and learn about the People’s Bicentennial Quilt—created as a celebration of the nation’s diversity.
Interactive elements throughout the exhibition invite visitors to vote in polls, engage directly with the text of the Declaration, contribute to response walls, and share their hopes for how America might celebrate its 300th anniversary. Guests can also view winning entries from a student poster contest exploring the events young people believe most shaped the nation’s history.
“Reflecting on the Declaration’s promises helps us to see the progress we’ve made, while also recognizing the work still left to do,” Ellison said. “It’s okay to feel conflicted.”
The Spirit of ’76 is sponsored by the AAUW Silicon Valley Branch, the Daughters of the American Revolution Los Altos Chapter, and the League of Women Voters of Los Altos-Mountain View area.
Related programs:
- American Patchwork, Wed, July 15, 5:30-7pm.
- Junipero Serra and 1776, Wed, Aug 19, 5:30-7pm.
- Curating America’s 250th, Wed, Sept 16, 5:30-7pm.
- Not Quite Created Equal? Wed, Oct 21, 5:30-7pm.
Evening program admission: $15/person, free for Museum members. Registration required at losaltoshistory.org/Spiritof76.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Diane Holcomb, 650.948.9427 x14, dholcomb@losaltoshistory.org
