Introduction
As America approaches 250 years since its founding, Fondren Library kicks off the America250@Fondren Program in January 2026 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by exploring the complexity of American history. It is a nonpartisan nonpolitical educational and engagement program.
The program will be updated here monthly throughout the year of 2026. Keep reading to explore our events and activities of this month. Mark your calendar to participate and share about it.
To learn more details about the program and browse the archived past event information, click America250@Fondren.
Should you have any questions about the program, ways to integrate these events and activities to enrich your teaching and programs, or want to learn about opportunities to get involved in this program, please contact Anna Xiong, Head of Kelley Center for Government Information and Civic Engagement, at jax2@rice.edu or email ask@rice.libanswers.com.
2026 America250@Fondren Planning Committee:
Anna Xiong (Chair), Abby Stovall, Norie Guthrie, Portia Hopkins, Jeanette Sewell, Jordan Traylor, and Sean Smith.
Executive advisors: Sara Lowman, Lisa Spiro and Cindy Pierard.
Campus partner: Access and Institutional Excellence / Avery Hartwell, Associate Director of Student Engagement.
June Events, Resources, and Activities
New Exhibits
June 1-June 30: The Great American Melting Pot
Location: Fondren Library West Entrance (near Circulation Desk)
About:
From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to today, this book display celebrates the contributions of all Americans throughout our nation's history. Curated by Jeanette Claire Sewell, Metadata Coordinator & Copy Cataloging Supervisor.
June 1-June 30: First Ladies Club
Location: Fondren Library Quad Entrance
About: Learn more about the lives of America's fascinating First Ladies. Curated by Jeanette Claire Sewell, Metadata Coordinator & Copy Cataloging Supervisor.
Standing Items
Call for Poster Submissions - Rice Data & Research Showcase Event
2026 Theme: Explore American History Through Data: Past, Present, and Future
· Poster submission starts February 2026.
· Deadline Extended: 11:59 PM, August 31 May 17, 2026
· The opening gathering date: early October 2026 (TBD), at Fondren Library
· Poster Submission Form: https://forms.gle/REvZucZyhAxJJ55S7
· It can be either a project in progress or one you’ve completed in the past. If you’re not sure whether your project fits or have any other questions, contact: Anna Xiong / Kelley Center for Government Information, jax2@rice.edu or Sean Smith / Research Data Services, mrsmith@rice.edu
Kelley Center for Government Information and Civic Engagement
Exhibits
History of Documenting America in Government Records and Keeping America Informed - From Printing Press to Digital AI Era (1700s to Present)
Location: Fondren Library Basement, Across Kelley Center Information Desk
About:
This exhibit explores often overlooked yet significant aspects of the history of federal printing, preservation, public access, and the longstanding legal partnership authorized by U.S. Code between the U.S. federal government and Federal Depository Libraries to support free public access to government information since the early 1800s.
From printed documents and microforms to floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, and today’s digital-first Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and National Collection Service Areas (NCSA) model, the exhibit highlights the evolving systems, services, and tools that connect the public with government information.
The exhibit also showcases Fondren Library’s history as a Federal Depository Library since 1967, highlights its current government information services, and invites visitors to consider new issues and how they can help preserve and strengthen public access to information in a digital, AI-driven future. Visitors are encouraged to explore, support, and benefit from the free government information resources and assistance available through Federal Depository Libraries in their communities.
Curated by Anna Xiong, Head of the Kelley Center, and Mary Kelleher, Research Librarian I, Kelley Center.
Texas and Houston from 1850–2026: Maps, Atlases, and Geopolitical History
Location: Fondren Basement, Map Room
About
This wall exhibit offers a deep dive into the cartographic evolution of our region. Curated by Kelley Center's own student staff member, Apollinaire Mendoza—a Sophomore studying Global Studies at Rice, mentored by Anna Xiong, Head of Kelley Center.
What to Expect at the exhibit:
Historical Depth: Trace the dramatic transformation of Rice University, the City of Houston, and Texas over 175 years.
Interactive Scholarship: Test your knowledge by answering a series of guided questions integrated into the display.
Geopolitical Insights: Explore how maps have shaped the identity of our state since the mid-19th century.
Civic Duty and the American Dream
Location: Fondren Basement, Near the entrance of the Digital Media Commons
About:
This exhibit highlights civic life in 19th-century America, featuring Congressional hearings, Senator speeches, and historical civic education lesson plans. Learn about the historical roots of American democracy and reflect on your role as a citizen. The exhibit was curated by Anna Xiong, Head of Kelley Center and Mary Kelleher, Research Librarian I of Kelley Center.
Reflection Questions:
- How were civic duties taught and promoted in the 1800s?
- How does early civic education compare with your civic education?
- What lessons from the past can we apply today?
- Do you see a return to 19th century civic education in the near future?
- How does civic education turn into civic engagement?
Check Out the History of National Teacher Day:
- May 4th - May 8th is the National Teacher Appreciation Week. May 5 is the National Teacher Appreciation Day. Let’s take a minute to appreciate our wonderful teachers. Tell your favorite teacher how much you enjoyed taking their class. 🍎 Need help finding the National Teacher Day proclamation document or other government education data and statistics? Contact govhelp@rice.edu for assistance.
Standing Activities
- Fondren Library Civics Reading Group to continue the conversation. Use this online form or email jax2@rice.edu to join the forthcoming Fondren Library Civics Reading Group to continue the conversation, join its email list, receive event updates, or request more information.
- Nomination Opportunity: You are invited to submit nominations through this online form for one or more landmark government documents that have significantly shaped or influenced the history of the United States, the Greater Houston area, Harris County, and/or the State of Texas.
Woodson Special Collections
Original Video Products
Everything Is Hard, Before It's Easy
Created by Dr. Portia Hopkins, University Historian, Rice University Woodson Research Center. Click the title to watch.
Your Potential is limitless. Go after it.
Created by Dr. Portia Hopkins, University Historian, Rice University Woodson Research Center. Click the title to watch. It features Mr. Shirley Dacamara, '26.
Exhibits
Birds of America
Location: Fondren First Floor, Main Hallway
About
This exhibit highlights state birds, which are drawn from our John James Audubon "Birds of America" plates. The exhibit is curated by Amelia Davis, a longtime student worker from Woodson.
Party in the U.S.A.: Political Conventions
Location: Fondren First Floor, Main Hallway
About
This exhibit focuses on political conventions, more specifically the RNC, DNC, and the 1948 Progressive Party.
Voting Doesn’t Hurt Women: Letters from the Men’s League for Woman Suffrage (New York)
Location: Fondren First Floor, Flat Cases outside of Woodson
About
This exhibit features historical letters from supportive governors advocating for women’s suffrage. It provides a fascinating look at the political and social strategies behind securing the right to vote.
Fight for Your Right to Protest: Celebrating the 1st Amendment
Location: Fondren First Floor, Room 156
About
This exhibit celebrates the First Amendment through photographs and memorabilia showcasing diverse forms of protest throughout American history. Visitors can explore the ways individuals and groups have exercised their rights to free speech, assembly, and activism.
A Selection of Political Cartoons from C.P. Houston
Location: Fondren 6th Floor Exhibit Space
About
Clyde Peterson, known as C.P. Houston, drew for the Houston Chronicle from 1965 to 2006. This exhibit features original Bristol board drawings covering national and local politics, offering insight into American public discourse and political satire.
The Also Rans: A Look Back at Those Who Lost Their Elections
Location: RMC, First Floor – Ballroom Exhibit Space
About
Explore the flyers, pins, bumper stickers, and campaign materials of local and national candidates who didn’t win. This exhibit highlights the stories and artifacts of political campaigns that shaped history in unexpected ways.
Join Us!
We invite all members of the Rice and the general public community to learn, explore, reflect, and engage with history, democracy, and civic life throughout the year.