History does not live only in books, archives, or official commemorations. It lives in public spaces where people encounter stories, places, memories, and meaning together.
Imagine thousands of people gathering in libraries, parks, museums, historic sites, classrooms, and community spaces across the country during the same weekend to explore the stories of the places they call home.
We Want More History! is a coordinated national weekend of place-based history programming occurring September 25–27, 2026. Organized with the help of the American Historical Association, the event is intended to strengthen civic health, build community trust, foster democratic dialogue, and showcase the essential role of history in public life. It comes at a time of heightened public interest in how American history is interpreted, supporting trusted public institutions where people already gather to learn, reflect, and engage.
The initiative is rooted in a simple idea: Communities benefit when people have more opportunities to engage with history. History helps people understand who they are, how their communities have changed over time, and how they can shape the future together.
The project highlights public libraries, museums, and historic sites as anchors of civic engagement, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, and community wellbeing. It also centers public lands, including national parks, state parks, city parks, trails, waterways, and historic landscapes, as shared civic spaces where history can be experienced in place and connected to lived experience.
On the central We Want More History! website, you’ll find a map and listing of scheduled events. You’ll also find links to resources, including a host toolkit and a recording of an informational webinar with practical advice for getting involved. In addition, you can add your event to the We Want More History! map and sign up for the matching portal to connect with hosts looking for a speaker or with speakers looking for a host.