America 250 opens doors to new partnerships & community trust
The Supreme Court of Ohio welcomed students from Cristo Rey Columbus High School for "A Century of Black History Commemorations," during Black History Month as part of its year-long, semiquincentennial celebration.
Introduction
Across America, people are walking through courthouse doors for reasons that have nothing to do with jury duty or a proceeding. They're attending open houses, viewing community art exhibits, participating in historic celebrations, and meeting judges in their own neighborhoods. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, state courts are using this historic milestone to help people better understand how their courts work — and why they matter.
For many courts, the anniversary has become much more than a celebration of history. It is an opportunity to strengthen connections with the communities they serve through education, outreach, and conversation. By opening their doors, telling the story of the courts, and creating opportunities for people to engage with the justice system in new ways, courts are building stronger relationships with the public and fostering greater confidence in the judicial system.
Over the past several months, NCSC has tracked America 250 activities taking place in courthouses across the country. While every community is different, many of these efforts fall into three common themes.
Bringing history to life
Many courts are using the anniversary to connect America's founding ideals with the role courts continue to play today.
In Kentucky, Chief Justice Debra Lambert authored an op-ed in the Lexington Herald-Leader linking the nation's founding principles with Kentucky's judicial history and explaining why those ideals continue to matter.
In Idaho, court leaders joined the City of Coeur d'Alene in celebrating five major civic anniversaries, including the centennials of both the Kootenai County Courthouse and the Idaho State Bar, culminating in the dedication of a 100-year time capsule that will connect today's community with future generations.
Opening courthouse doors, reinforcing shared principles
Other courts are helping people experience the justice system firsthand by making courthouses more welcoming and accessible.
In Michigan, Eaton County held its first-ever courthouse open house, inviting residents to tour the courthouse, meet judges and court staff, and learn how the courts serve their community.
In Arizona, Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer led a public "re-oathing" ceremony in which hundreds of lawyers renewed their commitment to uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Arizona.
Meeting people where they are
Some courts are reaching beyond courthouse walls by participating in community traditions and partnering with local organizations.
In Utah, the Garfield County Courthouse partnered with local organizations to host an exhibit of handcrafted quilts celebrating the region's history and culture.
In Saginaw County, Michigan, courts invited artists of all ages to design murals reflecting justice and the values that unite the community.
And in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, judges traded the courtroom for Main Street, marching alongside their neighbors in a community parade.
Extending your America 250 outreach
Courts have worked with schools, museums, libraries, and civic organizations to plan America 250 programming, creating relationships that will continue long after the anniversary year.
While these activities commemorate America's 250th anniversary, many courts see them as the beginning of something larger. The goal is not simply to hold a successful event this year, but to make civic education, community outreach, and meaningful public engagement a lasting part of how courts serve their communities.
America 250 is proving to be more than a celebration of the nation's founding. It is becoming a catalyst for stronger relationships between courts and the people they serve.
And if your court hasn't started a 250th anniversary initiative, there is no time like the present. NCSC's Free, to be Fair: Courts Celebrating America @ 250 handbook offers practical ideas that courts of every size can adapt. The guide encourages courts to use plain language, tell authentic stories about justice, create opportunities for conversation, and build connections that will continue long after the anniversary has passed.
Those of us in government must never forget our solemn and sacred obligation to serve the people, from whom we derive our just powers.
Chief Justice John Kittredge of South Carolina
The rule of law depends on each generation's commitment to uphold the Constitution and ensure equal justice for all.
Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer of Arizona
Connecting communities
Education
The Supreme Court of Ohio's "The Story of America" initiative highlights significant events in American and Ohio history through digital content, events, and displays.
Symbolism
The North Carolina Judicial Branch is recognizing our nation's history and the enduring role of courts by flying the Betsy Ross 250 Flag.
Outreach
Court leaders in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, joined a local parade to share the work of the courts with residents of all ages.
Collaboration
In South Carolina, the chief justice joined the governor, the senate president, the speaker of the house, and others to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which established our great nation with three separate and coequal branches of government. As the leaders of California's three branches of government, we affirm our continued dedication to safeguarding the rule of law, and to upholding a government that serves all Californians.
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero of California
In a joint statement from California’s top elected officials
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Free, to be fair: Courts celebrating America @ 250
This handbook provides practical ways for courts to celebrate America's 250th anniversary while strengthening public trust. It offers outreach and engagement ideas, along with messaging frameworks and examples that courts can tailor to local needs and existing programs.