Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary | July 2026
51 Steps to Freedom® is transforming Washington, DC into the largest outdoor museum in the world — a living trail of stories that reveal why this city is the epicenter of American history and culture. On your journey, you'll uncover powerful moments of courage, resilience, and ingenuity that make America the land of opportunity — and continue to shape its promise of liberty for all.
The beta app with 30 immersive stops is available now, kicking off the official countdown to America 250.
"Whether you're a citizen or visiting from abroad, 51 Steps enriches your experience in our nation’s capital, bringing history to life and sparking curiosity about the people and principles that shape today — right in the palm of your hand."
Founder & Chair Emeritus, Trust for the National Mall, Chip Akridge & Sally Akridge
51 Steps to Freedom is a Washington, DC based non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to creating the largest outdoor museum in the world. This trail fosters a deeper understanding of America’s shared history.
Our Nation's Capitol is the premier destination for celebrating the core American ideals of liberty, opportunity, and civic responsibility. This trail uncovers the history and legacies of various cultures and advocates whose voices, actions, and sacrifices have played a pivotal role in shaping our country’s progress in the pursuit of a more unified society.
51 Steps provides an educational experience that encourages reflection, inspires hope, and fosters understanding, helping us to move forward together toward a brighter tomorrow.
"I believe there is only one race — the human race." ~ Mrs. Rosa Parks
OUR MISSION
We honor our past.
We aim to transform our future by promoting, educating, and inspiring understanding.
We believe in liberty and opportunity for all.
OUR VISION
We share stories of the people and events that have shaped our Nation’s pursuit of liberty and progress. Appreciating the full spectrum of American history provides the path toward a more unified and prosperous tomorrow.
OUR GOAL
We see a world where music, history, art, technology, and storytelling come together
to inspire unity, build national pride, and embrace shared ideals.
WHY WE NEED THIS
As our nation’s capital, DC has always been the place where people come together to exercise their First Amendment rights in peaceful and meaningful ways. From the Women’s Suffrage Procession on March 3, 1913, to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963, to the Anti-Vietnam War protests of the 1960s—1970s—and continuing today—our city's streets have paved the way for change, understanding, and collective growth.
"Together we can achieve things beyond what we know.”
- Author Unknown
"With technologies like virtual reality, AI, and augmented reality — we now have the tools to bring history to life, and engage people — for good. We believe in the power of innovation, music and the arts to bring us closer to the past and spark meaningful conversations for the future."
~ Tracy Halliday
Co-Founder, 51 Steps To Freedom
True Stories on the Trail
Founding Organizations
Founding Partners
Metropolitan Washington Airports
Girl Scouts of the Nations Capital
PNC Foundation
DC Chamber of Commerce
Washington Urban League
Industrial Bank
O Museum in the Mansion
Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation
Reston Limousine
The Theatre Lab
Washington Hispanic Chamber
African American Civil War Memorial
Graham Holdings
Link Strategic Partners
CRP, Incorporated