On Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the campus of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas…
The Spirit of America
Over 1,500 came to campus for a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The grand event included a preview of the new Independence Hall-inspired Moritz Library in D’Aniello Hall, which houses a replica of the Assembly Room where the Declaration was debated and signed.
While this was just a preview, the entire library will be open beginning August 24, 2026, and will be officially dedicated on September 26, 2026, during the college’s Family Weekend.
Historical Re-enactors
Costumed re-enactors delivered speeches, posed for photos and gave period answers to questions. Guests were able to meet figures from U.S. history such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Speeches & Performances
In addition to beautiful renditions of patriotic songs and public readings of the Declaration of Independence by the Town Crier, attendees heard Thomas Jefferson read from some of his letters, George Washington give his inauguration speech, and Abraham Lincoln give the talk he presented in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1861 during which he hoped that the spirit of the Declaration of Independence would hold the country together.
Celebrating the American Experiment
Inside the library’s central hall, docents provided insights into the Liberty Bell, the Assembly Room and the rare documents on display in the Celebrating the American Experiment exhibit.
Fun & Games
Kids at the event enjoyed bouncy houses plus Colonial-era games and crafts, including signing their own copies of the Declaration of Independence, inking an old-time hand press to make prints, making USA bracelets, and much more.
250 Scholarships – A Birthday Gift for Our Country
A key part of the day was the conclusion of the “250 for 250” scholarship drive during which Benedictine College established 250 new scholarships for the 250th birthday of the nation.
Not only did we have many generous benefactors who created new scholarships and helped us reach this goal, we actually exceeded the goal! This will help ensure that the college is forming leaders for America for years to come.
— Stephen D. Minnis, President