Signing The Promise
A national, immersive experience to honor 250 years of liberty, civic courage, and connection.
Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary | July 2026
SIGNING THE PROMISE
America 250: 50 States. One Nation. One Story We All Share
In 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on our founding ideals and recommit to the promise that belongs to all of us. At a time when millions of Americans are seeking meaning, belonging, and connection, America 250 is more than a celebration — it’s a national invitation to participate in a shared story that includes everyone.
At the heart of this effort is Signing the American Promise — a year-long, immersive activation that blends storytelling, music, and augmented reality (AR) to bring history to life in public spaces across all 50 states, 14 U.S. territories, and every military base worldwide. Anchored by the 51 Steps to Freedom® Trail in Washington, DC — the largest outdoor museum in the world — this experience turns commemoration into civic re-engagement.
Participants will step into real-world locations where the voices of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others come to life through AR. They’ll digitally sign a living Declaration of Independence, joining millions in a national recommitment to liberty and self-government. They’ll launch digital fireworks, discover untold stories, and leave their mark on a growing digital archive of America’s future — one voice at a time.
Want to Host the Experience?
Bring Signing the Promise to your campus, city, business, home, church, event, or museum.
Want to Power It Nationwide?Partner with us to bring the experience to all 50 states, territories, and military bases.
"50 States One Nation™" isn’t just our slogan, it’s a clarion call for all of us — to rediscover what binds us together. To remind ourselves that our strength lies not in our sameness, but in shared purpose and a future where every voice is heard, and every story is honored."
~ HH Leonards
Co-Founder, 51 Steps To Freedom
CORPORATE SUPPORT:
Power a Legacy of Civic Renewal
Your support will help power:
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A national mobile immersive experience
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National youth engagement campaign
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Signage in high-traffic events e.g. National Prayer Breakfast, Sail4th 250, State Fairs, Metropolitan Washington Airports
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Digital deployment in all 50 states, military bases, and territories
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Free public access
Partner benefits include:
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Align your organization with innovation, education, and civic impact
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Nationwide reach
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Associate with values that resonate across generations.
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Custom ad placement
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Support of history, storytelling, and cutting edge technology
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Lasting legacy of corporate citizenship.
Partner With Us ➜ CLICK HERE
Join a once-in-a-generation national moment and align your brand with innovation, education, civic impact and a lasting legacy for America’s 250th.
WHY THIS MATTERS
National Reach
From Washington, DC to every town in America and military bases overseas — we’re going everywhere.
Local Connection
This nationwide activation connects us together one community at a time.
Civic Re-engagement
This isn’t just about remembering — it’s about recommitting.
A Lasting Legacy
Your name. Your story. Your promise — part of a digital monument for generations to come.
BE A HOST SITE
Host this experience in your community.
Whether you're a university, museum, library, city agency, military base, or community group — Signing the American Promise can be part of your America250 celebration!
Each local activation includes:
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Immersive augmented reality activation about America's founding principles
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Civic storytelling tools to celebrate America250
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A chance for your community to digitally sign the Declaration of Independence
Hosting is easy.
Our team provides setup and community engagement resources.
Interested in hosting? CLICK HERE
Founding Organizations
Founding Partners
Metropolitan Washington Airports
Girl Scouts of the Nations Capital
PNC Foundation
DC Chamber of Commerce
O Museum in the Mansion
Washington Urban League
Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation
Graham Holdings
Sail 4th
The Theatre Lab
Washington Hispanic Chamber
African American Civil War Memorial
National Endowment for the Humanities
Link Strategic Partners
CRP, Incorporated
Support 51 Steps To Freedom
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the 51 Steps to Freedom Trail offers a unique Washington DC tour experience, highlighting key people and places in DC neighborhoods like Anacostia, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, U Street Corridor, where history and culture come alive.
Our interactive history tour features a groundbreaking augmented reality experience that brings key moments and figures from DC’s history to life, from the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, and the White House to neighborhood landmarks, showcasing the variety of movements that shaped America’s journey for liberty and opportunity.
By donating or volunteering, you help preserve and share these stories of freedom, resilience and opportunity. Your support ensures that these vital narratives are celebrated on the 51 Steps to Freedom Trail and brought to life through immersive web AR experiences, advancing our mission to create a liberty trail in DC.
Join us in exploring DC's neighborhoods and supporting this transformative project. Whether you're interested in a monument tour, a city tour, or simply want to make a difference, your involvement is essential to making the 51 Steps to Freedom a lasting educational tool for all who visit Washington DC.
I'd like to to donate to help tell the story of
Washington, DC — and America’s — journey for liberty and opportunity.