250 Years: The Promises and Legacy of the Declaration of Independence 

The Central Region Humanities Center Biennial Conference at Ohio University will focus on 250 Years: The Promises and Legacy of the Declaration of Independence. The NEH grant-supported four-day event in September 2026 will feature presentations by scholars, students, and public humanities practitioners who explore the history, meaning, and legacy of the Declaration of Independence in Southeast Ohio and beyond. The conference will highlight local communities’ centrality to the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence and tell a story of perseverance in the defense of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that belongs to all Americans.