06/13/2026
✨America 250 Events Happening in La Porte County!✨
~News From Bruce Johnson, La Porte County Historian~
It has been almost one year since America 250 officially started its celebration on Flag Day on June 14, 2025. As part of our continued Semi-quincentennial observances, all residents, businesses, and schools in La Porte County are encouraged to display the American flag on Sunday, June 14 and continue for the next 21 days through July 4, 2026. This is to observe the 251st Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army on June 14, 1775 and the adoption of the U.S. Flag on June 14,1777.
The Lantern Relay: Nine lanterns are traveling through 9 regions of Indiana as a symbol of the Revolutionary War. A lantern will arrive and be on display at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum from June 17th to June 20th. The public is welcome to come and see the lantern and visit the special America 250 exhibit.
The La Porte County and Michigan City Historical Societies are both encouraging all churches in La Porte County and neighboring counties to ring their church bells on the 4th of July at 12:00 noon in celebration of our country’s 250th birthday.
The La Porte County Courthouse will soon be beautifully decorated for the America 250 celebration with red, white, and blue bunting and an impressive display of all of the various flags used throughout our country’s history.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, America 250 is promoting “America’s Potluck Luncheon”. Family, friends, neighbors, and other groups are encouraged to celebrate together in backyards, and city, county, and national parks.
On Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, the Declaration of Independence will be read to the public at the same time across the nation and its territories. In La Porte County it will be read at 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time near the Potawatomi Indian statue on the East side of the courthouse. It was on July 8, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was first read to the American public.
