Join former Oregon History Teacher of the Year Lois MacMillan for Declaration 250, a monthly program exploring a different topic each session related to the history and ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Each program features primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s panel exhibit, Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, which will be on display throughout 2026 in Josephine County.

Programs are held the first Thursday of each month, 5:30–6:30 pm, at the Grants Pass branch unless otherwise noted. Free and open to all — no library card or registration needed.

Lois MacMillan teaches history at Grants Pass High School and has been recognized nationally for her innovative teaching and dedication to Founding Era education.

Grants Pass Program Schedule:

• September 4, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – The Big Bang of Modern Democracy
• October 2, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – The Origins of the Civil Rights Movement
• November 13, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – The Idea of Independence Spreads Internationally
• January 8, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – A New Birth of Freedom
• February 5, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Women’s Rights
• March 5, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – The Fall of Empires and Proliferation of Independent Countries
• April 2, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Twentieth-Century Legacies
• May 7, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Reflections of Independence

Illinois Valley Program Schedule:

• January 17, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – A New Birth of Freedom
• April 11, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Twentieth-Century Legacies