Wilbur Cross History Research Materials on Continental Oil Company

This document is representative of the many annual reports prepared by individual states before the Bicentennial. Planning for Bicentennial activities began up to five years in advance and all 50 states were involved, with each state forming an American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. 

This top-level schedule of Bicentennial-related events in Delaware from September 1975 to September 1976 was published by the Delaware American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. Each state developed similar schedules and communities were encouraged to plan events in which people could participate actively, rather than just as spectators.

This pamphlet explains different aspects of Bicentennial celebrations in Illinois. Many states had similar pamphlets produced and distributed to help educate the public about the Bicentennial.

This pamphlet was produced by the Interchurch Center. It introduces Project Forward, which had the objective of helping religious organizations plan a meaningful observance of the Bicentennial. One area the Project emphasized was the freedom of religion clause from the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Communities small and large across the U.S. applied to their state American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to be designated as a Bicentennial Community. This application, from Fredericksburg, Texas, provides insight into the kinds of Bicentennial projects one small town was planning.

This document was distributed to cities by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Texas. It provides cities with guidelines on setting up local Bicentennial committees and Bicentennial-related projects.

This document explains the ways in which the National Archives plans to commemorate the Bicentennial. Activities planned include expanding access to important Revolutionary War documents, creating research tools, and hosting exhibits, lectures, and conferences. The document also describes efforts to preserve and publish key historical records so future generations can better understand America's founding and development.

This document describes the many different Bicentennial-related activities happening in Arizona, including those activities being planned by the Yavapai-Apache and Navaho Tribes.

This document describes the many different Bicentennial-related activities being planned in Puerto Rico.

This document, published by the U.S. Department of the Interior,  outlines plans being made for Bicentennial projects and programs in the National Parks.

This editorial was prepared by the Honor America Committee of the American Historic and Cultural Society. This article recounts Paul Revere’s famous 1775 ride as a symbol of courage, quick action, and patriotism during the American Revolution. It encourages Americans in 1976 to celebrate the Bicentennial by remembering Revere’s spirit.

This press release from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration highlights some of the Bicentennial programs and activities that have been planned by and for young people.

This article describes how people all over the U.S. were preparing to celebrate the Bicentennial with special events, festivals, and projects that honored local history and looked toward the future. From space missions to small-town parades, the Bicentennial was meant to unite Americans in remembering their past and imagining what the country could become.

This document, distributed by the Girl Scouts, describes a Bicentennial project to discover and honor women and girls that contributed to the growth and development of the United States.

This magazine article outlines Philadelphia's plans for the Bicentennial with hundreds of local events, including concerts, museum exhibits, and historical site restorations. The city will focus on its rich heritage—like moving the Liberty Bell for better public access—and emphasize community involvement, making it a national model for how to celebrate America’s 200th birthday.

This press release is from the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania. It highlights the history of the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road and the important role the Conestoga wagon, which was invented and built in Pennsylvania.

This press release is from the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania. It covers the challenges of recreating 62 Conestoga wagons for the cross-country wagon train pilgrimage being planned as part of Bicentennial celebrations.

This booklet was published by the New York State American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. It highlights the stories of 17th and 18th century New York women from 4 unique cultural backgrounds - Iroquois, African, Dutch and English.

This booklet covers some of the Bicentennial events and activities planned for Rhode Island, which is one of the thirteen original American colonies.

This booklet was published by the Peoples Bicentennial Commission. It recommends books about the American Revolution, including books about Blacks, Native Americans and women.

This monthly newsletter reports on some of the many Bicentennial-related activities that have happened or are scheduled to happen throughout Alaska. It also lists grants approved for Alaskan Bicentennial-related projects.

This newsletter, published by the Indiana American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, reports on some of the many Bicentennial-related activities that have happened or are scheduled to happen throughout Indiana. The feature story of the newsletter is about Indiana's entry of a mule-driven Prairie Schooner wagon in the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania.

This newsletter, published by the Nebraska Bicentennial Commission, reports on some of the many Bicentennial-related activities that have happened or are scheduled to happen throughout Nebraska. A featured story covers the dozens of Bicentennial time capsules buried in Nebraska.

This newsletter, published by the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania, reports on some of the many Bicentennial-related activities that have happened or are scheduled to happen throughout Pennsylvania. Featured stories cover the arrival of the Bicentennial Wagon Train at Valley Forge on July 3, 1976 and President Ford's address at Valley Forge on July 4, 1976.

This newsletter was distributed by the Washington D.C. based American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA). It covers Festival USA, which is one of three Bicentennial themes set forth by ARBA. The goal of Festival USA was to Americans nationwide in a meaningful Bicentennial celebration.

This newsletter was published by the Bishop's Committee for the Bicentennial of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. It explains how the Catholic Church in the U.S. planned to celebrate the Bicentennial by focusing on the theme “Liberty and Justice for All,” encouraging Catholics to reflect on freedom, equality, and their role in American society. It includes plans for conferences, historical projects, liturgical celebrations, and youth engagement to honor the Church’s contributions to the country and promote a more just future.

This newsletter was published by the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States. It describes how each of the original states planned unique projects for the U.S. Bicentennial, such as restoring historic buildings, reenacting Revolutionary War events, and creating museums or parks. These efforts aimed to honor local heritage and help citizens connect with the founding values of freedom and democracy.

This humorous magazine article reflects on the chaotic start of the U.S. Bicentennial planning and the confusion over what the celebration should really honor—America’s endurance, revolution, or institutions. It highlights both official and grassroots efforts, from massive historical projects to quirky local events, and encourages individuals to celebrate in their own meaningful way.

This document shares ideas from well-known Americans in 1975 about how individuals can personally contribute to celebrating the Bicentennial in meaningful ways. Suggestions include voting, supporting the arts, improving health and education, reflecting on the nation’s founding ideals, and getting involved in local communities to help build a better future.