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USA Semiquincentennial

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In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. This event, called the Semiquincentennial, marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Orange Public Library marks the occasion with a special Local History exhibit, located across the Lending Services Desk at the Orange Public Library & History Center, and reading recommendations for all ages.

To see how the City of Orange and other communities across Orange County plan on celebrating this historic milestone, please visit the Community Services USA Semiquincentennial webpage.

  • Library USA 250 Exhibit

    Library USA 250 Exhibit

    As we celebrate the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary), we commemorate how the City of Orange celebrated the Bicentennial (200th anniversary).

  • Replica of Liberty Bell

    Replica of the Liberty Bell

    This replica is one of the limited number of replicas created especially for the Bicentennial by Schulmerich Carillons, Inc. of Sellarsville, Pennsylvania, America's foremost bell craftsmen.

  • framed photos in Library USA 250 display

    Historic District Bicentennial Markers

    The City formed the Orange Bicentennial Commission which hosted events and placed historical markers around the city to memorialize important buildings and events that helped shape the City of Orange as we know it today. This section of the exhibit highlights on some of the markers in the Historic District.

As our nation prepares to mark 250  years of independence, the Library invites readers of all ages to reflect on  and explore the people, events, and ideals that forged the United States.

Kids Reading List

Discover titles that introduce young readers to key aspects of the United States, from history and geography to civics and national symbols.

USA 250 Kids List

 

Teen Reading List

Titles for teens featuring historical fiction, biographies, and non-fiction highlighting America's 250-year journey.

USA 250 Teen List

Adult Reading List

 Key themes include the American Revolution, foundational democratic ideals, diverse voices, presidential histories, and the evolving American story.

USA 250 Adult List

eBranch Digital Resources

History Center Digital Collection

To discover or explore more about the history of the City Of Orange, visit the Library's History Center Digital Collection. Our historical Digital Collection contains photographs, local city directories, local newspapers, and oral histories and is always available online.  For best results in searching the Digital Collection,  put your search terms in quotes.  Once in search mode, we suggest narrowing your search results by using options in the "Facets" tab on the left.

Gale: Archives Unbound

Archives Unbound presents topically-focused digital collections of historical documents that support the research and study needs of scholars, researchers, and students at the college and university level. Particular strengths of the collections include U.S. foreign policy; U.S. civil rights; global affairs and colonial studies; and modern history.