High Desert Project – Legacies of the 250th in the West

America 250: Legacies of the 250th in the West

From how we define public lands to patriotism and the American Dream, this series invites community members to explore the legacies of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the American West. Through conversation and storytelling, we’ll examine how the history and landscapes of this place have contributed to what it means to be an American.  


Registration Information | Return to High Desert Project Homepage

HDP-Spring-2026-2-Placeholder

Event 1: What Does it Mean to be American in the West?

Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm 

High Desert Museum

This behind-the-scenes tour of the collection at the Museum will use objects and artwork to spark conversations about what it means to be an American in the West. Dinner is provided. 

HDP-Spring-2026-2-Holloman

Event 2: Patriotism within Indigenous Cultures

Tuesday, March 17 | 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

High Desert Museum

Join Professor Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes) for a conversation that delves into the complexities of patriotism and U.S. citizenship from the perspectives of Native people. Dinner is provided. 

HDP-Spring-2026-3-Erika Wolters

Event 3: Public Lands as Legacy

Tuesday, April 1 | 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm 

High Desert Museum

Erika Wolters, Associate Professor of Political Science at Oregon State University, will examine American policy and public lands, raising fundamental questions about governance, local communities, and place. Dinner is provided. 

HDP-Spring-2026-4-Phillipa Hughes

Event 4: American Dreams, Dreams for America

Tuesday, April 7 | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

High Desert Museum

Social sculptor Philippa Pham Hughes will explore the American Dream and how we might reimagine it for the future.   We will be joined by students and community members from Willamette University’s The Conversation Project. Lunch is provided. 

Registration Information

We request that participants attend all four events. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. If you are interested in learning more, click the button below and fill out the participation form by February 15. Please contact Isabel Engel at iengel@highdesertmuseum.org or 541-382-4754, ext. 284 with all questions.