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2026 FAQs

What is the 2026 Committe? The 2026 Committee is tasked with the responsibility of meticulously planning, coordinating, raising funds for, and successfully executing the grand 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the City of San Dimas.  The 2026 Committee was established on April 26th, 2022 by Resolution No. 2022-24. You can download a copy of the Resolution and the Staff report on the Resolution at the bottom of this page.

Who can join the 2026 Committee? Membership in the 2026 Committee is open to anyone who shares a passion for contributing to the planning, organization, and fundraising efforts for the momentous 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Whether you're a dedicated community member, a history enthusiast, or someone eager to make a meaningful impact on this historic celebration, your commitment and involvement are welcome. Joining the committee offers a unique opportunity to be a part of this significant event and play a role in commemorating a pivotal moment in American history

How do I join the 2026 Committee? Email sandimasrotary@gmail.com or call Raymond E. Foster, President of the San Dimas Rotary Foundation at 909-599-7530

Who are the leaders of the 2026 Committee? The 2026 Committee is co-chaired by Alta Skinner and Brandon Moon.

If I'm unable to become a member of the 2026 Committee, how can I support its fundraising initiatives? The San Dimas Rotary Foundation is responsible for managing all funds raised by the 2026 Committee. You have several options to contribute: Send a check to: The San Dimas Rotary Foundation PO Box 713 San Dimas, CA 91773 Please make sure to write "2026" in the memo line. Contact us at sandimasrotary@gmail.com to arrange a donation via PayPal or Venmo. Your generous contributions will help us make the 250th-anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence a memorable and successful event.

Are there specific roles or subcommittees within the 2026 Committee that I can join based on my interests or skills? Absolutely. Presently, the 2026 Committee comprises subcommittees focused on Fundraising, Artwork, Marketing, and Pre-Events. As we approach 2026, there may be opportunities for additional, more specialized subcommittees to meet specific needs.

Are there specific roles or subcommittees within the 2026 Committee that I can join based on my interests or skills? Absolutely. Presently, the 2026 Committee comprises subcommittees focused on Fundraising, Artwork, Marketing, and Pre-Events. As we approach 2026, there may be opportunities for additional, more specialized subcommittees to meet specific needs.

Can students or young people get involved in the committee's activities? Yes, students and young people can absolutely get involved in the committee's activities, and their participation is highly encouraged for several compelling reasons: Learning Opportunities: Involvement in the 2026 Committee provides students and young individuals with valuable learning experiences. They can gain insights into event planning, fundraising, marketing, and project management, which are transferable skills that can benefit them in their academic and professional pursuits. Historical Education: Participating in the committee's activities offers young people a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with their nation's history. They can delve into the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence and understand how it has shaped the United States. Civic Engagement: Encouraging young individuals to engage with their community fosters a sense of civic responsibility. It teaches them the importance of actively participating in initiatives that benefit their town or city, instilling a lifelong commitment to community service. Networking: Joining the committee allows students and young people to network with experienced professionals and community leaders. This can be instrumental in building relationships that may prove beneficial in their future endeavors. Leadership Development: Committee involvement provides opportunities for leadership development. Young individuals can take on responsibilities, lead subcommittees, and hone their leadership skills, which will serve them well in various aspects of life. Creativity and Innovation: Young minds often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Their creative input can help generate new approaches to fundraising, event planning, and marketing, enriching the overall committee's efforts. Community Pride: Contributing to a significant historical celebration like the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence can instill a sense of pride in one's community and country. It allows young people to actively participate in preserving and celebrating their heritage. Inspiration for the Future: Involvement in such a prestigious event can inspire young individuals to take an active interest in history, civic engagement, and community service. It may ignite a passion for making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Personal Growth: Being part of a committee working towards a common goal can contribute to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Young participants can develop organizational skills, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Legacy Building: Young people who contribute to the 2026 Committee will play a part in creating a lasting legacy for future generations. They will have the satisfaction of knowing that they were instrumental in commemorating this important historical milestone. In conclusion, involving students and young individuals in the 2026 Committee's activities is not only possible but highly beneficial. Their participation not only enriches the committee's efforts but also empowers them with skills, knowledge, and a sense of civic duty that can shape their future and leave a lasting impact on their community.

What is the 250th anniversary of something called? The 250th anniversary of an event or occasion is typically referred to as its "semiquincentennial" or "quarter-millennium." These terms are used to describe a celebration or commemoration that occurs 250 years after a significant historical event or the founding of an institution, country, or organization

Who were the signers of the Declaration of Independence? 

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The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was signed by 56 delegates from the thirteen American colonies. Here is a list of the signers, organized by the colony they represented:
 

New Hampsiure

Josiah Bartlett

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William Whipple

Matthew_Thornton.jpeg

Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts

John_Hancock.jpeg

John Hancock

Samuel_Adams.jpeg

Samuel Adams

John_Adams.jpg

John Adams

Robert_Treat_Paine.jpeg

Robert Treat Paine

Elbridge_Gerry.jpeg

Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island

Conneciut

Roger_Sherman.jpeg

Roger Sherman

Stephen_Hopkins.jpeg

Stephen Hopkins

Samuel_Huntington.jpeg

Samuel Huntington

William_Ellery.jpeg

William Ellery

William_Williams.jpeg

William Williams

Oliver_Wolcott.jpeg

Oliver Wolcott

New York

William_floyd.jpeg

William Floyd

220px-PhilipLivingstonYounger.jpeg

Philip Livingston

Francis_Lewis.jpeg

Francis Lewis

Lewis_Morris_painting.jpeg

Lewis Morris

New Jersey

stockton.jpeg

Richard Stockton

Peale,_Charles_Willson,_John_Witherspoon_(1723-1794),_President_(1768-94).jpeg

John Witherspoon

Francis_Hopkinson,_1785_-_Robert_Edge_Pine.jpeg

Francis Hopkinson

440px-John_Hart_-_Deigendesch.jpeg

John Hart

Abraham_Clark_1873_Lambdin_after_Trumbull.jpeg

Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania

Robert_Morris_by_Charles_Willson_Peale,_c._1782_(New_Orleans_Mus_of_Art_78.2)_-_wide_crop.

Robert Morris

Benjamin_Rush_Painting_by_Peale.jpeg

Benjamin Rush

Joseph_Siffrein_Duplessis_-_Benjamin_Franklin_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg.webp

Benjamin Franklin

JohnMorton.jpeg

John Morton

George_Clymer.jpeg

George Clymer

James_Smith_(1700s).png

James Smith

George_Taylor_(Delegate).jpeg

George Taylor

JusticeJamesWilson.jpeg

James Wilson

George_Ross_(NYPL_NYPG94-F149-419961)_(cropped).tif.jpg

George Ross

Delaware

CaesarRodney_(cropped).jpeg

Caesar Rodney

George_Read_-_Robert_Edge_Pine.tiff.jpg

George Read

440px-Thomas_McKean_by_Charles_Willson_Peale.jpeg

Thomas McKean

Maryland

Samuel_Chase.jpeg

Samuel Chase

William_Paca,_U.S._District_Court_Judge.jpg

William Paca

Thomas_Stone_by_Robert_Edge_Pine,_c._1785,_oil_on_canvas,_from_the_National_Portrait_Galle

Thomas Stone

440px-Charles_Carroll_of_Carrollton_-_Michael_Laty.jpeg

Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia

George-Wythe-engraving-James-B-Longacre.webp

George Wythe

Charles_Willson_Peale_-_Richard_Henry_Lee_-_NPG.74.5_-_National_Portrait_Gallery.jpg

Richard Henry Lee

Official_Presidential_portrait_of_Thomas_Jefferson_(by_Rembrandt_Peale,_1800)(cropped).jpg

Thomas Jefferson

440px-Benjamin_Harrison,_head_and_shoulders_bw_photo,_1896.jpeg

Benjamin Harrison

Thomas_Nelson_(1700s).jpeg

Thomas Nelson Jr.

Francis_Lightfoot_Lee.jpeg

Francis Lightfoot Lee

440px-Carter_braxton_old.jpeg

Carter Braxton

North Carolina

William_Hooper.png

William Hooper

440px-Joseph_Hewes.png

Joseph Hewes

penn_john_G-1c.jpeg

John Penn

South Carolina

Rutledge,_Edward,_1749-1800_James_Earl.jpeg

Edward Rutledge

440px-Thomas_Heyward,_Jr._(1746-1809)_Philippe_Abraham_Peticolas.jpg

Thomas Heyward Jr.

Thomas_Lynch_Jr..jpg

Thomas Lynch Jr.

440px-Arthur_Middleton_from_a_painting_by_Benjamin_West.jpeg

Arthur Middleton

Georgia

Portrait_of_Button_Gwinnett,_signer_of_the_Declaration_of_Independence_from_Georgia.jpeg

Button Gwinnett

Lyman_Hall.jpeg

Lyman Hall

George_Walton_(ca_1749-1804).jpeg

George Walton

These individuals courageously signed the Declaration of Independence, pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in the pursuit of American independence from British rule. Their commitment to the cause of liberty and self-determination helped shape the nation's history and its enduring principles.

On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted? The Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4, 1776. It's important to note that while many people associate the signing of the Declaration with July 4th, the delegates actually signed it at various times and on different dates.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Who was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence? John Hancock was the first signer, and his signature is the most prominent.

Who was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence? Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, at 26 years old, was the youngest signer.

Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence? Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, at 70 years old, was the oldest signer.

Where did the signing of the Declaration of Independence take place? The signing took place in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall.

How many signers were there initially on the Declaration of Independence? There were originally 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Which two future U.S. presidents signed the Declaration of Independence? John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both future U.S. presidents, signed the Declaration.

In what city is the original copy of the Declaration of Independence housed today? The original copy of the Declaration of Independence is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Why was the signing process of the Declaration of Independence secretive? The signers were aware of the risks they faced as they were considered traitors by the British government if the American Revolution failed.

What phrase from the Declaration of Independence is famous for its assertion of equality? The phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" is famous.

What is the significance of the date July 4, 1826, in relation to the Declaration of Independence? Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration's adoption.

Where is the original copy of the Declaration of Independence kept today? The original copy of the Declaration of Independence is housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

How did the British government view the signers of the Declaration of Independence? The British government considered the signers to be traitors.

What historical building in Philadelphia served as the location for the signing of the Declaration? Independence Hall in Philadelphia was the location for the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What did the signing of the Declaration of Independence represent for the American colonies? The signing marked a formal break between the American colonies and British rule.

How did some signers of the Declaration of Independence suffer as a result of their involvement in the American Revolution? Some signers faced personal and financial ruin due to their involvement in the American Revolution.

Who was the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence? Charles Carroll of Maryland was the last living signer, passing away in 1832 at the age of 95.

What significance does the signing of the Declaration of Independence hold in world history? The signing of the Declaration inspired other independence movements worldwide.

What enduring importance does the Declaration of Independence hold in U.S. history? The Declaration of Independence remains one of the most important and cherished documents in U.S. history, symbolizing the nation's commitment to liberty and self-determination.

You can download a copy of the Resolution here.

You can download a copy of the staff report on the Resolution here.

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