The 1976 Bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration was America’s big birthday – a major cultural phenomenon that spanned years. While major observances were produced under the watchful eye of the American Revolution Bicentennial Association, countless smaller, star spangled events were held in towns, schools, scouts, and neighborhoods throughout the country. And of course manufacturers and marketers cashed in. 

Do you remember the Bicentennial celebration of 1976? Do you have keepsakes that could be in a museum? If so, please join the Open Call and be a part of Muzeo’s upcoming exhibition: Catching The Spirit of ’76: America’s Bicentennial from April 25-July 12, 2026. This exhibition reflects on that moment of shared pride, resilience, and unity, inviting us to revisit the memories that continue to echo through cherished objects, personal stories, cultural artifacts, and the music that defined an era.

We’re inviting the public to submit objects and/or footage that focus on the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976. Objects can include but are not limited to handmade, commemorative, celebratory, mass-produced, artistic, and patriotic items. Footage is limited specifically to Bicentennial community celebrations. If chosen, your object will be featured inside the museum.

How It Works

Bicentennial Objects

1. Submit a written description and an image of the object by March 14 to the following email address: Education@muzeo.org
2. Each submission will be reviewed by our exhibition team.
3. If chosen, you will bring your object in for an inspection
4. If the object passes inspection you will receive a loan agreement.
5. Come and join us for the Opening Reception.
6. Once the exhibition has concluded, your object will be returned to you.

Bicentennial Footage

1. Submit a written description of the footage and what format it is in by March 14 to the following email address: Education@muzeo.org
2. Each submission will be reviewed by our exhibition team.
3. If chosen, you will bring your footage in for inspection
4. If the footage passes inspection you will receive a loan agreement.
5. Come and join us for the Opening Reception.
6. Once the exhibition has concluded, your footage will be returned to you.

Entry Guidelines

Object submissions must include:

• A description of the object
• A picture of the object
• A connection to the Bicentennial celebration of 1976

Footage submission must include:

• A description of what is shown in the footage
• What format the footage is in
• A connection with Bicentennial community celebrations in 1976

Additional Guidelines:

• Submissions may not contain anything that reflects discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Terms and Conditions

This Open Call for applications is administered by Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center. Submissions will be reviewed by the Muzeo Team, and selected applicants will be invited to enter into a loan agreement with Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center.

Participation in this Open Call does not guarantee selection or any form of compensation. Selections are made at the sole discretion of Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center.

This Open Call is not a contest, sweepstakes, or offer of employment. Applicants acknowledge that by submitting an application, they are applying to be considered for a potential loan opportunity only. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center will not accept any objects permanently. This Open Call is strictly for a loan. Any objects submitted and chosen must be picked up by the owner at the end of the exhibition.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel this Open Call for applications at any time, for any reason, without notice.

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