250 Years of American Democracy

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WHAT MAKES AMERICA 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

-  The Path to American Democracy:
   An introduction by Dr. Uwe Wenzel

-  A panel discussion with German-Americans about
   their personal perspectives on a divided America

-  Learn square dancing with the Swinging Stars Heidelberg and the Heidelberg Hoedowners

-  Test your knowledge of American democracy—and win

-  Small games and sports activities for young and old

-  A reading from a short story by Mark Twain on democracy in the U.S.

-  A special guided tour of our exhibition featuring photographs by Max Scheler from the U.S. in the
   1950s and 1960s


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

Location: Mark Twain Center for Transatlantic Relations Heidelberg, Römerstr. 162, 69126 Heidelberg
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)