Your Story Belongs in America’s 250th Celebration
In 2026, the United States turns 250 years old.
Big birthdays invite stories. What do you want to say?
If your organization’s work drives innovation, builds infrastructure, or protects communities, your story belongs in this national conversation. The Semiquincentennial is a chance for Associations, embassies, nonprofits, and corporations to highlight their role in shaping the country.
Video storytelling helps you do that clearly and in a way people remember.
Whether you’re launching a targeted campaign, planning a DC-based event, or just exploring where your work fits in the 250th anniversary of the United States, here are 5 ways to tell your story with video.
1. Define How You Contributed to the American Story
Show how your work made life better, safer, smarter, or more connected
Every organization and industry has a history. But not everyone takes the time to tell it.
America250 gives you the platform to connect your mission to something bigger, helping people understand how your work has made life better, safer, smarter, more just, or more connected.
With a scripted, story-driven video, you can:
- Highlight the issues your work has addressed
- Connect your milestones to American history
- Recognize the problem-solvers who turned plans into results
This kind of content shows your organization or industry’s impact, humanizes your work, and gets audiences invested in your future.
See how we partnered with the Farm Credit Council to showcase their support for America’s farmers and the communities they serve through a powerful identity video.
2. Highlight the People Who Make It Happen
Let leaders, members, and communities speak for themselves
Your people are your proof. When members, staff, partners, or community voices talk about their work or first hand experiences, it adds honesty and credibility to your message.
We recommend including:
- Testimonials that capture candid stories and real-world impact.
- Interviews in the field that show people in action, where the work is actually happening.
- A mini-series of stories that spotlight different voices across your community or team.
- Candid, everyday moments that show who your people really are.
Perfect for social and email, these formats help audiences picture your mission in motion.
Watch how we helped the National Retail Federation spotlight small business owners across the country through a mix of testimonials, interviews, and day-in-the-life stories in the Retail Across America series.
3. Use Animation to Explain Complex Work
Help people understand what you do and why it matters
Work that deals with policy, data, science, or long-term change can be hard to put into plain language. Animation translates abstract ideas into narratives that are easy to follow.
You can use animation to:
- Illustrate progress or change over time
- Transform statistics into digestible, real-world terms
- Explain complex processes
- Boost retention and information recall
Motion graphics also make it easier to reach more audiences, from multilingual communities to viewers who rely on accessible design. It’s a creative way to make sure your story lands with everyone.
See how we helped the FDIC bring 90 years of impact to life with clear, engaging visuals in their anniversary featurette.
4. Don’t Just Post It. Promote It.
Reach the people who need to see your story with digital advertising
Even a great video can get buried without a plan to share it. That’s where a smart digital advertising strategy makes all the difference.
At LAI Video, we help organizations build targeted outreach that puts your video in front of the people who matter most and inspires them to act.
That might include:
- YouTube and pre-roll ads
- Campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
- Streaming spots on connected TV
- Geo-targeted messages for audiences in a physical location
By combining creative that connects with advanced targeting tools, we help organizations make the most of their investment and reach their goals faster.
See how we helped RAINN promote their essential services to a younger generation, surpassing year-long goals in less than 6 months.
5. Showcase Your Events With Professional Video
Turn one moment into lasting content
If you’re planning an event for America250, whether it’s a reception, a roundtable, a launch, or a commemorative ceremony, video can extend the life and reach of the moment.
Bringing video into the planning process early gives you the chance to create content that lives well beyond the event itself. With the right footage, you can share updates, engage members, support outreach efforts, and preserve the energy of the day.
Think about what you may want to capture:
- On-site coverage and highlight reels
- Key speakers, presentations, or performances
- Same-day edits for sharing
- Behind-the-scenes content that adds personality and depth
- Recap videos for media, members, and donors
- Livestream options and speaker-focused cutdowns
As part of a full-service events company, LAI Video can help you capture all of this content and more, depending on your timeline and budget. See how we helped the American Heart Association build excitement for their Heart’s Delight fundraising event through archive footage and dynamic interviews with the people who make it happen.
Need Support for Your America250 Campaign?
If you need a creative partner for your next project, LAI Video is here to help. Based in Washington, DC our team specializes in helping associations, embassies, nonprofits, and government teams to tell authentic stories that connect and convert.
Our team can offer:
- Video producers, cinematographers, editors, and animators
- Campaign strategists and messaging experts
- A client experience team who guides the process start to finish
- Professional video, audio, and lighting equipment
- A full in-house animation and post-production pipeline
Ready to start brainstorming for your next project?
Contact Us
FAQs: How Organizations Can Use Video to Join America’s 250th Anniversary
What is America 250?
America250 is the national commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary — marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration, which will take place on July 4, 2026, includes events, campaigns, and creative projects that reflect on American history and explore where we’re headed. Organizations across the country are getting involved, adding their voices to a shared national story.
Who should be thinking about video for this moment?
Associations, embassies, nonprofits, corporations — any group that has contributed to American life or culture. If your work improves communities, builds connection, or represents a key industry or identity, you have a story worth telling during this milestone.
How can my organization connect our story to the founding of the United States?
Use video to capture oral and visual histories from your team or community. Focus on values that tie back to American independence — service, innovation, or advocacy. Even a short piece can show how your mission reflects the founding ideals of the United States in a modern context.
How can we showcase historical collections or archives?
Video is a great way to make collections feel relevant and accessible. You might create short documentaries, virtual exhibit tours, or animated walk-throughs of important moments — including how the Declaration of Independence still shapes your work or values today.
How do we make sure the right people see our content?
That’s where strategy comes in. We help clients build multimedia marketing campaigns that share content across social media channels, digital ads, email, and more. The goal is to meet your audience where they already are — with a message that resonates.
How can we connect our story to the broader history of the United States?
Start by looking at how your work intersects with major themes in the nation’s history — whether that’s innovation, diplomacy, education, or service. Video helps make that connection visible. You might anchor your message around a key moment, then show how your organization has contributed to shaping the country since.
What’s the benefit of filming in the nation’s capital?
Filming in Washington, DC adds context and visual weight to your message. Whether you’re featuring the White House in the background or capturing scenes near the Capitol, being in the heart of the nation’s capital can strengthen your connection to the broader American story — especially for associations, embassies, and policy-focused groups.
How can we create a video series that feels personal and historical?
A video series allows you to highlight different voices, themes, or milestones over time. Start with a structure: one story per episode, tied to a specific value or contribution. Include personal histories from staff, members, or community leaders to keep it grounded. These short, repeatable formats work well across social media and campaign landing pages.
Can we build an audiovisual archive from our America250 content?
Yes, and it’s a smart long-term move. Every interview, event video, or behind-the-scenes shoot becomes part of your organization’s visual history. We help clients organize their footage into usable archives that can support future content, anniversaries, or events.
