America 250 || St. Petersburg College

A Star-Spangled Occasion

St. Petersburg College has played a part in America’s story for nearly a century now, so the College is thrilled to celebrate our great nation this year as it commemorates its 250th anniversary. To mark the occasion, SPC has planned a number of patriotic events and civic opportunities for students, employees and the community to enjoy. Join us as we celebrate two and a half centuries of American history.

Activities Events

A performance of the St. Petersburg College Community Concert Band & Wind Symphony

Enjoy the Show

An inspiring evening of music will highlight themes of American patriotism, landscapes, leaders and achievements.

A male SPC student, wearing a ble shirt and shorts, planting small United States of America flags around campus.

Give Your Time

Join others across the country who are volunteering in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

A female SPC student waving a small United States of America flag at an event.

Celebrate Our American Story

Nominate someone whose story you think should be archived and shared.

A female SPC student, wearing a blue SPC hoodie, pushing a wheel barrow as she volunteers for a cleanup event. 4 other students are pictured at a distance in the background.

Make an Impact

SPC’s Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement offers opportunities for change and empowerment.

13

How many colonies came together to fight for our country’s independence

2.5M

Population of the colonies when independence was first declared

26

Surviving first printed, official copies of the Declaration of Independence

3

Branches of government established by the U.S. Constitution

Activities

Trip to Tallahassee
College student leaders and employees traveled to Tallahassee this month to tour the state capital, learn about the legislative process, and participate in events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

“Did You Know” Campaign
Political Science faculty held a “Did You Know” QR code sign campaign across SPC campuses, directing students to facts about the Declaration of Independence.

Campus Connections Concert
This FREE concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College features a collaboration with SPC’s Social and Behavioral Sciences department, the College’s Center for Civic Learning & Community Engagement, and special recognition of employees and student veterans, as well as featured community organization Honor Flight of West Central Florida.

Model Legislature Event for Students
A collegewide event will be held where students can participate in simulated legislative sessions and experience the democratic process firsthand.

Declaration of Independence Readings
SPC Student Life and Leadership will host public readings of the Declaration of Independence across the College’s campuses.

Historian Conference
The Society of Presidential Historians in Academia will convene April 24-25 for a conference exploring the presidency and evolution of American democracy.

Framers Virtual Exhibit
The Leepa-Rattner Musuem of Art at St. Petersburg College (LRMA) will launch an online virtual exhibit dedicated to the Framers of the Constitution, detailing their lives, roles and the complex historical context of the nation’s founding documents.

Memorial Day
SPC’s Veterans Services will showcase a display honoring those individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the country’s armed services.

Flag Ceremonies and Discussions
SPC campus activities will focus on visual tributes and intellectual exchange, including formal flag ceremonies and moderated student discussions about the impact of the Declaration of Independence over the last 250 years.

Signing Walls
Interactive “signing walls” will be established, allowing students to symbolically add their names to the Declaration of Independence and reaffirm their commitment to its ideals.

America 250: Together in Harmony
St. Petersburg College will celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary with an evening of music that spans the nation’s history at 7:30 p.m. on July 1 at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, featuring vocalist Allyson Briggs and bandleader Dan Gabel with an 18-piece orchestra.

The celebration culminates in a collaboration with local city events. Student volunteers and participants will represent SPC in community festivities, parades, and service projects to mark the semiquincentennial.