Resource development for Community Museums of Service: Exploring our democracy from 1776 to the present day & beyond

FAIN: ZZ-310130-25

National Museum and Center for Service (Edmonds, WA 98026-5000)
Julie Budkowski (Project Director: July 2025 to present)

The creation and national distribution of educational resources about the Founding Era origins and later developments of service as an American civic virtue by the National Museum and Center for Service in Edmonds, Washington.

This project will develop public-facing resources to celebrate America's 250 by exploring the enduring civic virtue of service, helping communities connect their local histories to the national narrative of service and democracy. Key activities include creating: * Professionally designed exhibit panels on the American Revolution’s service legacy * Plug-and-play exhibit templates for local customization * A feature video discussing service's vital role in American history * A civic engagement toolkit with guidance for public exhibits and programs * Dissemination at 2 key conferenes The project's humanities focus is on service as a cornerstone of American democracy, demonstrating its relevance from 1776 to the present and fostering a deeper appreciation for democracy as a participatory endeavor. The anticipated audience includes K-12 educators, students, community organizations, libraries, and museums. The goal is to empower 250 school and community-led exhibits by December 2026.

Associated Products

Example plug and play exhibition templates (Exhibition)
Title: Example plug and play exhibition templates
Curator: Assemble
Abstract: Examples of the plug-and-play exhibit templates were created and displayed at the Independent Sector National Summit. These examples included a 250 & Beyond exhibition, highlighting the Declaration of Independence and role of service in our nation's founding. Additionally, NMCFS presented at the NCSS conference and had a booth providing educators with materials and tools to drive the conversation around the role of service in the Revolution, the founding documents and today.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MjdJdEBBCX4WEA2r6
Primary URL Description: These exemplar exhibitions included 5 different styles: - No budget - Low budget - Mid budget (2 examples) - Professional installation The templates were designed with community partners who populated the content as a method of testing the designs. The next steps will be to create these templates in an easy downloadable format (PDF or Canva) to make them an easy "plug and play" exhibit for communities.

Service and the role of young people (Web Resource)
Title: Service and the role of young people
Author: Deborah March
Author: Julie Budkowski
Abstract: Igniting Change: The enduring role of young people in service Are you looking for a way to spark meaningful conversations about service, history, and community involvement with young adults? The discussion guide, "Service and the Role of Young People," based on the film THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, is the perfect resource. This guide explores the vibrant spirit of activism and willingness to disrupt the status quo that has historically defined youth involvement. It’s a powerful reminder that age does not necessarily determine the capacity for leadership and impactful change. The guide is built around three core objectives: Understand History: Delve into the historical context of youth involvement in service, from the American Revolution to modern movements. Explore Modern Service: Discuss what service means in various communities today and encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences. Inspire Action: Motivate and inspire involvement in local service opportunities and commit to a specific action within the community.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/resources/igniting-change%3A-the-enduring-role-of-young-people-in-service
Primary URL Description: Link to an online resource to support conversation around the role of young people in the revolution, our nation's founding and communities today.
Secondary URL: https://4c306bfd-e601-4d76-9ea2-91ab42521f1a.usrfiles.com/ugd/4c306b_3d6b4d494653420ab718af1fd2b19cf4.pdf
Secondary URL Description: Downloadable PDF resource available on OurAmericanStory.org

Discussion Guide - Civics Classroom (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Discussion Guide - Civics Classroom
Author: Julie Budkowski
Abstract: This discussion guide is designed to facilitate robust, thoughtful conversations in the civics classroom, grounded in the essential principles of American democracy, citizenship, and service. Drawing on insights from the video 250 & Beyond: Our American Story produced by the National Museum and Center for Service and WETA, the flagship public media station serving our Nation's Capital, the guide is structured around critical themes that challenge students to connect historical context with contemporary political realities. Through a series of engaging questions and practical activities, this guide aims to unify diverse viewpoints and inspire students to recognize service as a fundamental, visible, and valued component of active citizenship.
Year: 2026
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/_files/ugd/4c306b_bc984be3db07479eb9dd58d94683cc29.pdf?index=true
Audience: K - 12

Discussion Guide - History Classroom (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Discussion Guide - History Classroom
Author: Julie Budkowski
Abstract: This discussion guide is designed to facilitate robust, thoughtful conversations in the history classroom, grounded in the essential principles of American democracy, the evolution of citizenship, and the "revolutionary idea" of self-governance. Drawing on insights from the video 250 & Beyond: Our American Story produced by the National Museum and Center for Service and WETA, the flagship public media station serving our Nation's Capital, the guide is structured around critical themes that challenge students to connect historical context—from the Founders' "sacred honor" to the "unfinished revolution" of the Civil Rights era—with contemporary political realities. Through a series of engaging questions and practical activities, this guide aims to understand diverse viewpoints and inspire students to recognize service as a fundamental, visible, and valued component of active citizenship. Students will evaluate the intended role of the Legislative Branch as the "First Branch" of government and trace how marginalized groups used the "great machine" of American history to make the promise of equality real.
Year: 2026
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/_files/ugd/4c306b_b16bb8b833b44f93a75b82fe852dc3c0.pdf?index=true
Audience: K - 12

250 & Beyond: Our American story, A conversation about communities, service and democracy (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: 250 & Beyond: Our American story, A conversation about communities, service and democracy
Writer: Julie Budkowski
Writer: Brian Baird
Director: Julie Budkowski
Producer: Julie Budkowski
Producer: Jan Boyd
Abstract: At the heart of the American experiment lies a powerful, hidden connector: the spirit of service. When we commit to something greater than ourselves and work toward the common good, we transcend our differences and build stronger, more united communities. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sarah Botstein, and former U.S. Representatives Bob Inglis, Donna Edwards, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen join host Brian Baird in an uplifting and deeply inspiring conversation exploring how this shared civic duty has shaped our nation’s history—and how it continues to light our way forward into the next 250 years.
Year: 2026
Primary URL: https://www.250andbeyond.com/conversation
Primary URL Description: The video conversation will be premiered on March 9, 2026
Access Model: Open access
Format: Video
Format: Web

Community Interviews (Web Resource)
Title: Community Interviews
Author: Deborah March
Abstract: The Declaration closes with a powerful pledge: “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” This enduring promise reminds us that people from throughout the United States can come together around shared values and a commitment to one another. One way to carry this spirit forward is through Community Interviews, an activity that invites people of all ages to connect across generations and explore the places we call home. Using a simple “placemat” guide, participants interview someone they know—or hope to know better—about their experiences, uncovering the strengths and needs of their community. More than a way to gather information, these conversations honor the stories of our neighbors, strengthen relationships, and spark new possibilities for service. Whether beginning a service journey or seeking new ways to engage, Community Interviews are a meaningful place to start.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/resources/community-interviews

Creating a mid-budget video exhibit (Exhibition)
Title: Creating a mid-budget video exhibit
Curator: Assemble
Curator: Julie Budkowski
Abstract: A plug and play template for schools, communities and museums to utilize in order to create a mid-budget video exhibition. The plug and play template includes a step by step guide for assembling, material costs, sources and tips for content. Additional it provides links to Canva templates of the 250 & Beyond exhibit example for communities to edit with their own content and examples.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/resources/creating-a-mid-budget-video-exhibit

Values Cards: Revolutionary values and the spirit of service (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Values Cards: Revolutionary values and the spirit of service
Author: Deborah March
Abstract: The Declaration of Independence closes with a powerful commitment: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” This pledge reminds us that even people of different backgrounds can unite around shared values—a spirit that continues to guide us in building common purpose today. Values cards are one way to bring this spirit to life. Simple yet powerful, they invite us to reflect on what matters most and imagine how to put our values into action. Each card names a value and offers a short definition, creating opportunities to pause, connect, and be inspired. Designed for people of all ages, the cards spark meaningful conversations, deepen understanding, and help us find common ground. Participants can choose cards that represent their personal values, explore how those values appear in their lives or in history, and even add their own using the blank cards provided. By focusing on the ideals that shaped our past and the values that guide us today, the cards encourage us to better understand one another, discover shared motivations for service, and honor the past while building a more inclusive and connected future together.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://www.nmcfs.org/resources/values-cards%3A-revolutionary-values-and-the-spirit-of-service
Audience: General Public

Video example - Easel structure exhibit (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Video example - Easel structure exhibit
Writer: Julie Budkowski
Director: Julie Budkowski
Producer: Julie Budkowski
Abstract: A short video to demonstrate how easy a simple easel structure exhibit can be made with the exemplar EcoWB exhibit.
Year: 2025
Primary URL: https://youtu.be/PSb173OYaZk?si=h8yOhSGrb6Vir69V
Access Model: Open
Format: Web

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