Leading up to America 250, a new Watkins Museum exhibition will share artifacts and photos from Douglas County’s celebration of the country’s bicentennial in 1976.
Steve Nowak, executive director of the Watkins, said in a news release that the exhibition is a trip down memory lane.
“I remember 1976; the excitement of the July 4th celebrations, everything decorated in red, white, and blue, and learning how to spell ‘bicentennial,’” he said. “… And for those who didn’t experience the bicentennial, I hope it provides a perspective on how our nation has changed in 50 years.”
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“America’s Bicentennial in Douglas County” will include photos from the bicentennial parade on Massachusetts Street, model train cars from the “Spirit of America” set, and materials from Clenece Hills, chairperson of local bicentennial efforts.
“This exhibition hopes to balance the patriotic nature of the Bicentennial with a comparison of our country’s semiquincentennial efforts this year,” said Andrew Stockmann, the museum’s curator of exhibitions. “While it is fun to see the red, white, and blue bunting and tricorn hats, we also want visitors to reflect on the themes of celebration vs. commemoration.”
The exhibit will run from Friday, June 12 to Saturday, August 15 in the first floor Community Gallery at the Watkins, 1047 Massachusetts St.
The museum is always free to visit and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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