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A Chronicle of Our Commemorations
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.
Pinewood Derby
Patriotism - America 250 was the theme of Cub Scout Pack 131's Pinewood Derby on March 15. Several cars were decorated to represent American pride.
Pinewood Derby
Patriotism - America 250 was the theme of Cub Scout Pack 131's Pinewood Derby on March 15. Several cars were decorated to represent American pride.
Pinewood Derby
Several members of Cub Scout Pack 131 decorated their cars to represent American pride for their annual Pinewood Derby on March 15. The Scouts would break out in a chant of USA! whenever a patriotic themed car would race.
Free Veteran Breakfasts
On March 15, this couple enjoyed the delicious offer being offered at the DeKalb Moose Lodge. Military veterans and active duty members can eat free at the Lodge's breakfast buffet on third Sunday of each month through 2026. Thank you, DeKalb Moose!
March Meeting
Doc Habeel shared some of the America 250 DeKalb products being created to offer manufacturing training at the Remaking the World Veterans Center.
Pack 131 Leads Pledge
The DeKalb City Council was honored to have DeKalb Cub Scout Pack 131 lead the Pledge of Allegiance on Feb, 23, 2026. The Scouts are perfect ambassadors for America 250 DeKalb, inspiring community pride and honoring our nation’s legacy through their enthusiasm, service, and dedication!
USA250 Tour
In December, the Glidden Homestead had a special visit from Own the Road with Kelli & Bob, a radio show and podcast that is currently producing a special limited series called “The USA250 Tour.” They have selected only ONE story of profound national significance from each state to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary— and for Illinois, they chose the Glidden Homestead and our barbed wire story!
February Meeting
The February meeting of the America 250 DeKalb committee included a discussed of possible events to plan as a group. Several partner organizations also announced long lists of activities they are planning.
Blood Donation Challenge
DeKalb American Legion Post #66 Commander Manny Olalde did his part to help the community reach 250 gallons of donated blood this year! His donation was made during a blood drive at the DeKalb Public Library on Jan. 27 that raise 4 1/2 gallons.
Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legio #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
Be a local hero by joining forces with the DeKalb American Legio #66, DeKalb Elks Lodge No. 765 and the City of DeKalb, as we attempt to raise 250 gallons of blood donations through the Red Cross! We are eager to set the standard for saving lives. We working diligently with the Red Cross to schedule the ongoing events throughout the year.
The Red Cross is currently facing a severe blood shortage. Blood donors are needed now! It only takes about 10 minutes to save a life! You can donate what you want, including any of the following; plasma, platelets, power red donation, or whole blood donation. Our donations will help so many lives both locally and nationwide!
Help support a very noble cause and celebrate America's 250th birthday by saving lives!
January Meeting
The onedekalb.org website was unveiled at the January meeting of the America 250 DeKalb committee held at the DeKalb Public Library. The website will be a one-stop shop for information on the initiative and help DeKalb area organizations promote their events.
Kick Off, Sept. 11, 2025
Mayor Cohen Barnes spoke to organizations from across DeKalb as collaborative planning kicked off for America 250 DeKalb. The kick-off was organized for Sept. 11, since a goal of the America 250 DeKalb initiative is to inspire the same type of unity that was seen in America as the country recovered from the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event at the Egyptian Theatre included a brainstorming sessions on on how the groups can work together to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The American Revolution Experience, Summer 2025
The General John Stark Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution hosted an exhibit on the Revolution War in the main lobby of the DeKalb Public Library.
Johann de Kalb Liberty Tree
A liberty tree was planted on the grounds of the Ellwood House Museum by the General John Stark Chapter, NSDAR National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to honor Revolution War Major General Johann de Kalb, the namesake of the City of DeKalb and DeKalb County.
Johann de Kalb Liberty Tree
The General John Stark Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution commissioned a plaque that is mounted next to a liberty tree honoring Revolution War Major General Johann de DeKalb. The tree recognizing the namesake of the City of DeKalb and DeKalb County has been planted at the Ellwood House Museum.
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