USA 250 EVENTS
We are excited to feature upcoming USA 250 themed events taking place in Grayslake brought to you by a variety of local organizations.
Stay tuned for more details and additional events to be added throughout the year.
GRAYSLAKE USA 250 MERCHANDISE
Want to wear a piece of history? Get your official USA 250 Grayslake merchandise by clicking the link below!
Risking it All: The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
In 1776, signing the Declaration of Independence was not an act of patriotism. It was an act of treason against Great Britain. Who were these fifty-six men who risked it all to make the strike for independence? Some of their names are familiar, like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Others — like Button Gwinnett — are not.
Historian Joyce Haworth will share stories of lesser-known Americans in this talk: who they were, what role they played in independence, and what consequences they suffered after they signed the Declaration.
Pages of History: “We the People”
The Pages of History book-inspired lecture series is back for USA 250!
Dr. Kenneth Owen, presents the history behind the Revolution and America’s most famous document.
Registration is not required but highly encouraged. "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution" by Jill Lepore is available at the Grayslake Area Public Library upon registration.
This year's books are chosen in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Presenters are invited to take the audience beyond the books to discuss history or contemporary topics within the stories.
Student Pop-Up Exhibit
Students from Grayslake North High School curated an exhibit of prominent historical events and figures throughout the past 250 years of United States’ history.
This pop-up exhibit will be on display in the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum's Community Room from April 15th - 25th. The Heritage Center is open Wed - Fri 12 pm - 4 pm, and Sat 10 am - 4 pm.
Beginner Sewing: Patriotic Star Garland
The Grayslake Area Public Library is giving you the chance to create a festive star garland to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Choose your own fabric and leave with a handmade decoration.
3 pm or 5:30 pm
Click “View Event” for registration information.
Pages of History: A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
As part of our local USA 250 event line-up, the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum and the Grayslake Area Public Library have partnered to bring a powerful Pages of History lecture series to our community; the next one is inspired by "A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass."
Author James Ciccone will share stories that explore the life of Amos "Doc" Bennett in Lake County. Bennet was one of the area's earliest pioneers and the first African American settler in Lake County. There is even a street named for him in Grayslake!
Learn how Bennett trailblazed a path alongside others like Douglass to create his own destiny on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 pm at the library.
Other Upcoming
USA 250 Events
May 2026
May 19th: Colonial Williamsburg and What Led to Revolution
May 25th: Grayslake Annual Memorial Day Parade
May 29th: Movies Off Center: The Wizard of Oz
June 2026
June 4th: Grayslake History Bike Hike
June 12th: Movies Off Center: Forest Gump
Jun 19th: Fifth Annual Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
Jun 27th: Abigail Adams: A Living History Portrayal featuring speaker Leslie Goddard
June 27th: The Grayslake Park District's Annual Taste of Grayslake and Fireworks
June 30th: Chicago Brass Quintet Concert
July 2026
July 1st: Search & Share Genealogy: Where were your ancestors in 1776?
July 4th: Independence Day
July 18th: Grayslake AuthorFest
July 24th: Movies Off Center: Cars
July 25th: Gerald Savage, HoChunk Native American, introduces participants to the culture and history of the HoChunk nation
July 25th: Grayslake Summer Nights and USA Themed Drone Show
August 2026
August 1st - 31st: History Trail—The History Trail consists of signs found around town that will tell both Grayslake History and USA 250 history
August 4th: A Tribute to The King Concert featuring Logan Ramey
August 7th: Movies Off Center: Star Wars
August 15th: USA 250-themed SummerFest
September 2026
September 22nd: Pages of History: Little House on the Prairie
October 2026
October 4th: Living History Tour, USA 250
October 6th: Pages of History: The Great Gatsby
October 16th: Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom
November 2026
November 10th: Remembering Route 66 featuring speaker Leslie Goddard
December 2026
December 1st: Pages of History: Brooklyn
PAST USA 250 EVENTS
January 1st - 10th: What does USA 250 mean to you?
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
February 3rd: Pages of History: Lincoln at the Bardo
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and Grayslake Area Public Library
February 16th: 1619: The Journey of a People
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and College of Lake County James Lumber Center for Performing Arts
March 3rd: Pages of History: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and Grayslake Area Public Library