top of page
A Chronicle of Our Commemorations
Volunteer Fair
America 250 DeKalb spirit was on display at the Volunteer Fair held by the DeKalb Leadership Academy at the Egyptian Theatre in April. Safe Passage was one of the groups that showed they're proudly patriotic.
Artemis II
Just as we’re commemorating America’s founding here in DeKalb, the crew of Artemis II did the same during their journey around the moon and back. An America250 flag was proudly displayed in their capsule. We salute these heroes for their courage to pursue new frontiers!
GI Jams
The Liberty 250 Theater, located within the Culture Event Space of the RTW Veteran Center, came alive with the sounds of live jazz and community collaboration on April 2.
The evening marked the official launch of GI Jams, a dynamic music initiative created by Professor Roosevelt Griffin III, Professor of Jazz at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Originally developed through the Griffin Institute for Performing Arts in the southern suburbs of Chicago, GI Jams is designed to give young musicians the opportunity to perform alongside more advanced students and professional artists in a live setting.
The opening session featured talented musicians from NIU as well as local high schools, including DeKalb and Sycamore, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for performers and attendees alike.
GI Jams sessions are free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend and support these rising artists. The next session will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Location:
RTW Veteran Center
854 West Lincoln Highway (Junction Plaza, next to the Cotton Club)
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
The Liberty 250 Theater was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors who contributed their time, skills, and financial support over the past several months. Their collective effort continues to bring impactful cultural programming to DeKalb County.
The RTW Veteran Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community through education, culture, and empowerment initiatives. For more information, please call 815-517-1094 or visit the center during operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The evening marked the official launch of GI Jams, a dynamic music initiative created by Professor Roosevelt Griffin III, Professor of Jazz at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Originally developed through the Griffin Institute for Performing Arts in the southern suburbs of Chicago, GI Jams is designed to give young musicians the opportunity to perform alongside more advanced students and professional artists in a live setting.
The opening session featured talented musicians from NIU as well as local high schools, including DeKalb and Sycamore, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for performers and attendees alike.
GI Jams sessions are free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend and support these rising artists. The next session will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
📍 Location:
RTW Veteran Center
854 West Lincoln Highway (Junction Plaza, next to the Cotton Club)
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
The Liberty 250 Theater was made possible through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors who contributed their time, skills, and financial support over the past several months. Their collective effort continues to bring impactful cultural programming to DeKalb County.
The RTW Veteran Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to serving veterans, their families, and the broader community through education, culture, and empowerment initiatives. For more information, please call 815-517-1094 or visit the center during operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DeKalb Police
DeKalb Police are showing off their American pride. Squad cars have been outfitted with the America 250 DeKalb logo and flag.
DeKalb Public Transit
DeKalb Public Transit is encouraging the community to join the America 250 DeKalb celebration. Signs for the local initiative will appear on the sides of DeKalb buses throughout 2026.
Business Directory & Area Guide
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is celebrating America's founding, making "From Independence to Innovation" the theme of this year's Business Directory and Visitors Guide. The annual publication includes a beautiful layout on America 250 DeKalb.
bottom of page