250 Years of American Democracy

WHAT MAKES AMERIKA TICK?

On this day, the MTC is organizing an exciting program to mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the American Declaration of Independence.

250 years ago, the United States of America declared its independence from the British Empire, thereby marking the beginning of the world’s oldest surviving democracy. On July 4, 2026, we want to celebrate this special occasion and also take the opportunity to examine the state of democracy in the U.S.

From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a varied program awaits you, including

3:00 p.m.                         The Path to American Democracy:
                                        An introduction by Dr. Uwe Wenzel

3:15 p.m.                         Democracy in a Polarized Country: A roundtable discussion
                                        with Karin Lister, Ron Rash, and Robert Munoz about
                                        their personal perspectives on a divided America

4:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m.       Join-in square dancing with the Swinging Stars Heidelberg and
                                        the Heidelberg Hoedowners

4:30 p.m.                         Test your knowledge of American democracy—and win

5:30 p.m.                        A special guided tour of our exhibition featuring photographs
                                       by Max Scheler from the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s

And also:

Fun games and sports activities for young and old in the park

Coffee and cake: German-American Women's Club Heidelberg

Cold drinks from the conservatory



Saturday, July 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m.

Location: Mark Twain Center for Transatlantic Relations Heidelberg,
Römerstr. 162, 69126 Heidelberg