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 female singer smiling in front of an old fashioned microphone

Enjoy the Show

An evening of music spanning the nation’s history explores how music has united generations of Americans.

SPC students dressed in business casual attending events in Tallahassee

Leadership in Action

SPC students and emerging leaders gained a firsthand look at the legislative process during a trip to Tallahassee.

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

Curriculum Integration
Faculty from various subjects, including American Government and American History, infused themes from the 250th anniversary into their classes this term. Weaving discussions about the Declaration of Independence into courses has promoted rich, interdisciplinary conversations.

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.

Sunshine State Debate
SPC students participated in the first annual Sunshine State Debate, a statewide debate hosted by the Florida College System. Participants also toured the state Capitol, met with state leaders and were recognized during the legislative session.

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

“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 concert featured 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.

We Declare
The College held student-led conversations about the Declaration of Independence, self-determination and natural rights.

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 25 for a conference exploring the presidency and evolution of American democracy.

Star-Spangled Bingo
A fun-filled event where participants can win prizes and enjoy the patriotic vibes.

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.

Exam Slam – Florida: An American Story
Students can learn more about how the state of Florida fits into the great American story while enjoying a treat before heading to their exams and Florida Civic Literacy Exam.

Leonard Baskin: Leaders of the Constitution, 1787
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College will present a series of portraits honoring visionaries who shaped the foundation of American democracy. This exhibit runs from June 6 through Sept. 3.

Your Campus, Your Country
A scavenger hunt for students where they can learn more about their country and their campus.

Flavors of Freedom
An opportunity for students to meet and enjoy a snack while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

America 250: Together in Harmony
St. Petersburg College will celebrate America’s 250th 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.

Community Partnerships
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.