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

Celebrating 250 Years of U.S. Democracy

Three hours of discussion, fun, and games at the Mark Twain Center

Where is American democracy headed—what makes America tick? On July 4, 2026, the MTC celebrated the anniversary of the world’s oldest modern democracy together with some 300 visitors.

In a casual conversation with three guests who have long called both the U.S. and Germany home, the discussion initially focused on current challenges. Ron Rash, a former deputy political advisor to the U.S. Army; Karin Lister, a civilian employee with the Army in Heidelberg; and Ethan Mazurek, a student participating in the American Junior Year program in Heidelberg, shared their perspectives on social polarization in the U.S. and its political consequences in a conversation with Uwe Wenzel, director of the MTC. Often, according to their unanimous observation, these divides run right through families and circles of friends. The support of minorities, abortion rights, and the war in Gaza are among the most hotly contested issues. The participants placed their hopes on a realignment of the Democratic Party and civil society organizations, though it remains important to continually seek personal dialogue.

Afterward, the Swinging Stars and the Heidelberg Heidelberg Hoedowners invited everyone to try their hand at square dancing. Around the MTC, visitors gathered to play thinking and skill games and to engage in relaxed conversation. Members of the German American Women’s Club Heidelberg provided refreshments. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of them!

Sports, games, and socializing at the MTC.

Invitation to dance with the Swinging Stars Heidelberg, the Heidelberg Hoedowners, and visitors.