In 2026, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is leading the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a bold, immersive exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness traces how Americans have pursued the promises of our nation’s founding—often against the odds or facing opposition, but always with the conviction that achieving them was possible. Showcasing 250 objects ranging from the 1700s to the present day, In Pursuit is a museum-wide exhibition that spans the full 250,000 square feet of our building’s three floors. The concepts of action and connection drive the exhibition. With every label, In Pursuit highlights the actions American have taken as they pursued the promise of 1776. The visual motif of a thread runs through the entire building, reminding visitors how disparate stories from many times and places are bound together.