Signing The Promise — 51 Steps To Freedom
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Signing The Promise

A national, immersive experience to honor 250 years of liberty, civic courage, and connection.

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary | July 2026

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SIGNING THE PROMISE

56 men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing it could cost them everything. Their lives. Their homes. Their freedom.

 

They signed anyway.

Now it's your turn. What will you stand for?

Make your mark. Sign the Promise.

In 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence — a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on our founding ideals and recommit to the promise that belongs to all of us. At a time when millions of Americans are seeking meaning, belonging, and connection, America's 250th is more than a celebration — it’s a national invitation to participate in a shared story that includes everyone.

At the heart of this effort is Signing the American Promise — a year-long, immersive activation that blends storytelling, music, and augmented reality (AR) to bring history to life in public spaces across all 50 states, 14 U.S. territories, and every military base worldwide. Anchored by the 51 Steps to Freedom® Trail in Washington, DC — the largest outdoor museum in the world — this experience turns commemoration into civic re-engagement.

Participants will step into real-world locations where the voices of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others come to life through AR. They’ll digitally sign a living Declaration of Independence, joining millions in a national recommitment to liberty and self-government. They’ll launch digital fireworks, discover untold stories, and leave their mark on a growing digital archive of America’s future — one voice at a time.

Want to Host the Experience?
Bring Signing the Promise to your campus, city, business, home, church, event, or museum.

LEARN MORE

Want to Power It Nationwide?Partner with us to bring the experience to all 50 states, territories, and military bases.

LEARN MORE

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"50 States One Nation™" isn’t just our slogan, it’s a clarion call for all of us  — to rediscover what binds us together. To remind ourselves that our strength lies not in our sameness, but in shared purpose and a future where every voice is heard, and every story is honored."

     ~ HH Leonards

         Co-Founder, 51 Steps To Freedom

CORPORATE SUPPORT:
Power a Nationwide Legacy of Civic Renewal

Your support will help power:

  • A national mobile immersive experience 

  • National youth engagement campaign

  • Signage in high-traffic events e.g. National Prayer Breakfast, Sail4th 250, State Fairs, Metropolitan Washington Airports 

  • Digital deployment in all 50 states, military bases, and territories

  • Free public access 

Partner benefits include:

  • Align your organization with innovation, education, and civic impact

  • Nationwide reach

  • Associate with values that resonate across generations.

  • Custom ad placement 

  • Support of history, storytelling, and cutting edge technology

  • Lasting legacy of corporate citizenship.

Partner With Us CLICK HERE

Join a once-in-a-generation national moment and align your brand with innovation, education, civic impact and a lasting legacy for America’s 250th.

corporate support

WHY THIS MATTERS

National Reach
From Washington, DC to every town in America and military bases overseas — we’re going everywhere.

Local Connection
This nationwide activation connects us together one community at a time. 

Civic Re-engagement
This isn’t just about remembering — it’s about recommitting.

A Lasting Legacy
Your name. Your story. Your promise — part of a digital monument for generations to come.

Be A Host Site

BE A HOST SITE

Host this experience in your community.

Whether you're a university, museum, library, city agency, military base, or community group — Signing the American Promise can be part of your America250 celebration!

Each local activation includes:

  • Immersive augmented reality activation about America's founding principles

  • Civic storytelling tools to celebrate America250

  • A chance for your community to digitally sign the Declaration of Independence

 

Hosting is easy.
Our team provides setup and community engagement resources.

Interested in hosting? CLICK HERE

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America's 250th: 50 States. One Nation. One Story We All Share

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"We share the vision that 51 Steps teaches how citizens have—and still can—actively participate in their government and society. It’s a living civics lesson in how democracy works, and how you can take part."

Founder & Chair Emeritus, Trust for the National Mall,  Chip Akridge & Sally Akridge

Partners

Metropolitan Washington Airports

Freedom 250

The Giant Company

National Endowment for the Humanities

O Museum in the Mansion

Sail4th America

PNC Foundation

National Prayer Breakfast

Girl Scouts Nation's Capital 

© 2021-2025 PIR Marketing

51 Steps To Freedom is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Your tax-deductible donation funds their programs. No goods or services were provided for this gift. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.

© 2021-2025 All rights reserved. 51 Steps To Freedom® trail concept, design, layout, route, stories, etc. belong exclusively to 51 Steps To Freedom®.

No part of this trail or website, may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of 51 Steps To Freedom®.

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