Special Announcement – LIBERTY! 250

Celebrate 250 Years of Liberty: Announcing Dave Does History – LIBERTY! 250

We are thrilled to announce a special podcast series that will ignite your patriotic spirit and deepen your appreciation for America’s founding story. Dave Does History – LIBERTY! 250 is launching this May 2025 as a year-long journey exploring the Declaration of Independence in the lead-up to its 250th anniversary. Each week from May 2025 through July 4, 2026, join us for exciting and informative episodes that shine a spotlight on the birth of American independence. This series is our way of celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday with you – by diving into the history, ideas, and people behind the document that started it all.

In this stirring year-long series, we’ll revisit iconic moments like the signing of the Declaration of Independence (portrayed above in John Trumbull’s famous painting) and unpack the stories and ideals behind it. LIBERTY! 250 will take you from the fiery debates in Philadelphia to the revolutionary ideals of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Each episode will delve into a different facet of the Declaration – from its philosophical roots to the dramatic events that led thirteen colonies to declare freedom from British rule. With an excited and patriotic tone, we’ll explore why the Declaration was written, who influenced its creation, and how its words still resonate to this day. Consider this series your personal time machine to 1776, bringing the founding of the United States to life in a fresh and engaging way.

Weekly Episodes Counting Down to America’s 250th Birthday

Imagine a countdown to Independence Day unlike any other: starting this spring, Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live will release a new “Declaration Tuesday” episode every week, building momentum toward July 4, 2026 – the 250th anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption. The journey kicks off in May 2025 and will continue week by week for fourteen months, culminating in a grand finale episode on July 4, 2026, exactly 250 years since the Founders’ bold declaration. Along the way, we’ll align our topics with key moments in history, so you can experience the chronological story of American independence as it unfolded. This means you’ll be able to follow the timeline of events and ideas in real time (250 years later!), making the history feel immediate and alive. Mark your calendars for every Tuesday – each installment will bring us one step closer to the big anniversary celebration while deepening our understanding of the United States’ origin story.

Even better? Each episode of LIBERTY! 250 will debut live on Dave Does History during the Bill Mick Live radio show, airing Tuesdays at 8am (Eastern). Be part of the excitement in real-time, then catch the replay wherever you get your podcasts.

What to Expect from LIBERTY! 250

Our LIBERTY! 250 series will cover a wide scope of fascinating topics related to the Declaration of Independence. Here’s a sneak peek at the kinds of themes and stories you can look forward to each week:

• The Road to 1776: Relive the dramatic events leading up to independence – from colonial protests and the Boston Tea Party to Lexington and Concord’s first shots, we’ll trace how growing tensions and decisive moments pushed the colonies toward breaking free. Feel the energy and urgency of the Revolutionary era as we set the stage for July 4, 1776.
• Revolutionary Ideas: Explore the powerful philosophical influences behind the Declaration. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and others planted the seeds of liberty with ideas about natural rights, equality, and the social contract. We’ll discuss how concepts such as “unalienable rights” and government by consent made their way into Thomas Jefferson’s draft, and what those ideas meant to Americans then (and now). We’ll look at how the men who founded the United states understood ancient Roman and Greek history and why it still should matter to us today.
• The People Behind the Document: Meet the passionate patriots who brought the Declaration of Independence to life. Of course, we’ll talk about famous Founding Fathers – Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and the rest of the Committee of Five who drafted the document – but we won’t stop there. You’ll also hear about other influential figures and unsung heroes of the Continental Congress who debated, edited, and ultimately signed their names to this daring declaration. Learn about the risks they took, the collaboration it required, and even some intriguing stories (and legends) about the signing ceremony and that elegant John Hancock signature!
• Enduring Legacy: Reflect on what happened after 1776 and why the Declaration of Independence still matters 250 years later. We’ll examine how the Declaration’s bold proclamation that “all men are created equal” became a guiding light for future generations. From Abraham Lincoln invoking the Declaration’s principles during the Civil War, to movements like women’s suffrage and civil rights drawing inspiration from its words, discover how this 18th-century document evolved into a timeless beacon of freedom. We’ll also look at how the Declaration influenced other nations’ quests for independence and how it’s remembered and preserved (ever visited the National Archives to see the original parchment?). By the end of the series, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the Declaration’s lasting impact on American life and the world.

From Constitution Thursday to Declaration Tuesday

Long-time listeners of Dave Does History know that Constitution Thursday has been a beloved weekly tradition on our show, where we delve into the U.S. Constitution’s history and meaning. But this year, in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence, we’re giving that tradition a patriotic twist! Constitution Thursday is becoming “Declaration Tuesday.” That’s right – for the duration of the LIBERTY! 250 series, each Tuesday episode will focus on the Declaration of Independence instead of the Constitution. This special change lets us zero in on 1776 and the document that proclaimed our nation’s core ideals. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the Constitution (it will surely return in future discussions), but 2025–2026 is all about celebrating the Declaration. So, every Tuesday on Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, tune in for a fresh dose of Declaration history – consider it your weekly date with America’s founding principles, served up Dave Does History-style!

Join Us in the 250th Anniversary Celebration

We warmly invite you to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime historical celebration. Follow the Dave Does History – LIBERTY! 250 series by subscribing to the podcast so you won’t miss a single episode of Declaration Tuesday. Whether you listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app, hit that “follow” button and get ready for a thrilling ride through history. We encourage you to share the show with friends, family, and fellow history enthusiasts – the more people joining this patriotic journey, the merrier!

As we approach July 4, 2026, let’s celebrate 250 years of American independence together. Tune in each week, engage with us on social media with your thoughts or questions, and make this anniversary a participatory event. LIBERTY! 250 isn’t just a podcast series – it’s our community’s tribute to the courage, ideals, and spirit that define the United States. So bring your curiosity and your patriotism and join us in honoring the Declaration of Independence’s legacy. Together, let’s make history come alive and ensure this 250th birthday of America is an unforgettable, inspiring tribute to freedom and unity.

Stay tuned and happy birthday, USA – see you on Declaration Tuesday, on Bill Mick Live, Tuesdays at 8am (Eastern) and available on the iHeart Radio App