NATIONAL AMERICAN HISTORY & FOUNDERS MONTH ORG.

Creating a tradition of educating and celebrating the founding history of our country for all Americans

AMERICA 250 NEWS


CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY | THE WHITE HOUSE

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026, it is hereby ordered:


Section 1.  Purpose.  It is the policy of the United States, and a purpose of this order, to provide a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026.  It is also the purpose of this order to take other actions to honor the history of our great Nation.

AMERICA 250 NEWS


STUDENTS CAN WIN A TRIP TO DISCOVER U.S. HISTORY WITH AMERICA'S FIELD TRIP | USA TODAY

When Charli M. from Tennessee went on a special trip through America250's America's Field Trip in 2024, she didn't just visit historic sites - she discovered a new passion.


“Learning about the government and early documents of our country sparked something in me. I want to contribute to our country in some way when I’m older,” she said.


Charli is just one of the many students whose lives have been changed by this unique program, which invites young people to explore what America means to them.

AMERICA 250 NEWS


PENN PREPARES TO MARK AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY | PENN TODAY

In the lead up to the nation’s 250th anniversary marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Penn faculty and staff have already been hard at work planning campuswide interactive programs, forums, lectures, and publications to mark that date as part of the citystate and national celebration.


“We’re not just trying to look back. We’re trying to understand where we came from, where we are now, and also where we’re headed in the future,” says Lynne Farrington, director of programs and senior curator of special collections with Penn Libraries, who has been leading the efforts, known as “America 250 at Penn.”

AMERICAN TREASURE CHEST


CALLISTA GINGRICH CHILDREN'S BOOK

All seven books in this Ellis the Elephant series are autographed by Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION INSTITUTE HISTORISCOPE

View the digital scanning of the popular educational children's toy made by Milton Bradley & Co.

ABOUT US

NAHFMO

National American History & Founders Month Organization 


ORIGIN

In 2019, NAHFMO was founded to establish November as National American History and Founders Month, which became a federal observance by presidential proclamation in 2020. As we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, there is a clear need to empower Americans to be active citizens through greater understanding of our Nation's early history, its founders, and the civic duties within the American experience.


In 2024, after briefly halting our efforts due to the global pandemic, we are excited to announce that we have officially re-launched and actively engaging elected officials at the state and federal level, building strategic partnerships to expand our reach and hosting educational events. 

MISSION

The mission of National American History and Founders Month is to create a tradition of educating and celebrating the founding history of our country for all Americans. Furthermore, while there are holidays celebrating key events, leaders, and groups responsible for creating and shaping our Nation, there is no official recognition or formal commemoration of our Nation’s early history, its founders and its governmental system. This new recognition and focus offers all Americans an occasion to appreciate the struggle to create a new nation, the founders who pioneered how this new nation should be governed, and the civic duties of its citizens.      

MEET THE TEAM


Dr. Jennifer London

President & Founder

Dr. Jennifer Burkhart London led the citizen-driven effort to establish the National American History and Founders Month Organization. She holds a PhD in psychology from Ohio State and postdoctoral education in marketing from the University of Pittsburgh.


Dr. London serves on several boards, including the Navy League, Institute for the Study of War, and White House Historical Association. She co-authored four books with her late husband, Dr. Jack London, and co-hosts The E Pluribus Unum Show on WMAL 105.9 FM in Washington, DC.

Dante Swallow

Partnerships Director

Dante Swallow is a seasoned media professional with 10+ years of experience navigating Capitol Hill and the evolving media landscape. As Director of Partnerships at Cumulus Media-DC, he manages strategic relationships with Members of Congress, industry leaders, and media outlets.


Dante's background includes roles at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Strategies 360, and Fleet Street Group, specializing in political strategy, media relations, and marketing. As NAHFMO’s Partnership Director, Dante drives impactful collaborations, connecting key stakeholders to promote America 250 events and initiatives.

Kenny Cunningham

Communications Director

Here’s a polished and powerfully refined version of the bio at 94 words:

Kenny Cunningham is the visionary founder and principal of Cunningham Communications, a bold and results-driven strategic communications firm. With over a decade of deep, dynamic experience across media, entertainment, politics, government, and the private sector, he has expertly amplified clients and their causes through innovative, high-impact advocacy.


Before launching his firm, Kenny thrived as a director at the influential Prism Group in Washington, D.C. As NAHFMO’s Communications Director, his sharp instincts and unparalleled media relationships fuel the dynamic growth of the America 250 Media Network, ensuring NAHFMO and its partners stay at the forefront of today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

OUR BOARD


Akram Elias

Capital Communications Group, Inc.

Akram Elias is the co-founder and president of Capital Communications Group, an international consulting firm specializing in public diplomacy, cultural intelligence, and strategic communication. He co-produced the History Channel documentary Mr. Dreyfuss Goes to Washington and has appeared in programs on National Geographic, PBS, and Discovery Channel. Currently completing his book American by Choice, Elias explores the values that make the U.S. exceptional.


In recognition of his service and dedication to the American spirit, he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2018. He resides in College Park, Maryland, with his wife, Lourdes.

Kevin Wensing

BUSINESS NAME HERE

BIO WRITTEN HERE

Jim Roberts

American Veterans Center

James C. Roberts is president of the American Studies Center, overseeing Radio America, a national news/talk network, and the American Veterans Center, which honors veterans through initiatives like the National Memorial Day Parade. A Miami University graduate, he served in the U.S. Navy, earning the Navy Achievement Medal.


James' career spans journalism, politics, and public affairs, including roles at the American Conservative Union and the White House Fellowships Commission. An author and media leader, Roberts has received multiple awards, including three Emmys. He lives in Great Falls, Virginia, with his wife, Patricia, and their family.

MISSION PARTNERS


NAHFMO's works closely with strategic partners across media, advocacy and education to expand the organization's reach and impact educating American's about this nation's rich history and the lessons learned from America's Founding Fathers. 

NAHFMO HISTORY

PROCLAMATIONS


NAHFMO works closely with Governor's offices around the country to build a tradition of promoting American's history and the lessons of our Founding Fathers. See below a list of the states that joined our mission and signed proclamation designating November as National American History & Founders Month in their state.

North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum


Click Here to Read

South Carolina

Gov. Henry McMaster


Click Here to Read

South Dakota

Gov. Kristi Noem 


Click Here to Read

West Virginia

Gov. Jim Justice


Click Here to Read

NAHFMO HISTORY


History

In 2019, NAHFMO launched with the initial goal of engaging governor's around the country with a simple ask: sign proclamations designating the month of November  National American History and Founders Month. Following a successful nationwide outreach campaign, NAHFMO secure signed proclamations from 20 governors in states spanning from coast to coast. 


NAHFMO then turned its sites to the White House, where the organization engaged the President directly and secured signed proclamations in both 2019 and again in 2020. 


That following year, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted the efforts of NAHFMO.


In 2024, we are excited to announce that the organization is back, stronger than ever, and committed to growing the vision of our founders.

NAHFMO MEDIA

RADIO & PODCAST: "The E Pluribus Unum Show"


Dr. Jennifer London is the co-host of "The E Pluribus Unum Show" radio show on 105.9FM WMAL in Washington, DC. New episodes air weekly at 7:00pm ET and can he heard locally on 105.9 FM WMAL or nationally on WMAL.com and the WMAL app. 


You can also find all past episodes archived on our podcast channel at the link below. 

AMERICA 250 NEWS NETWORK


IN THE NEWS


Defending America's founder amid  contemporary challenges 

The Washington Times 

By Dr. Jennifer London 

November 1, 2024 

As November arrives, much of our country is absorbed in the fervor of election season.


Yet this month holds another purpose worth our attention: National American History and Founders Month, established by presidential proclamation four years ago. It’s a moment to reflect on the founders and the principles that shaped our nation, even as figures such as Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are increasingly caught in the crossfire of modern debate.


Today’s assessments of their lives often reduce them to a single dimension, but the founders deserve a balanced understanding — one that honors their ideals while acknowledging the contradictions they embodied ... click here to read more

ARCHIVES


11/3/20 - National Association of Scholars endorses NAHFM

https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/american-history-and-founders-month


11/1/20 - Why Our Founding Fathers Matter


Why are the Founding Fathers so important to America? United by the concepts of liberty and self-determination, the Founding Fathers shared a belief in the public good and a duty to promote a common welfare. The period beginning with the onset of the American Revolution in 1775 through 1791 encapsulates the events and people responsible for establishing and shaping our country’s future. The American Revolution (1775-1783) is one of the most defining events in modern history, both as the revolt against Great Britain and as the creation of a self-governing and sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights forever set our nation apart from all others. The electoral system, our three branches of government in the form of an elected President, an elected Congress, and an independent Supreme Court are well-established and sustaining. These have all set an enduring, unique and remarkable precedent that many other nations over the past two centuries have sought to replicate. So, who were these Founders and why do they matter?

 

John Adams was known for his strong advocacy for American independence, his patriotism and his devotion to the right to counsel and presumption of innocence. As the Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress he emerged as one of its leaders. He was a principle drafter of the Declaration of Independence and its foremost advocate to Congress. He also secured vital government loans and negotiated the peace treaty with Britain following the American Revolution.

 

Benjamin Franklin, in addition to being regarded as one of the most influential Founders, was a prominent writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist statesman and diplomat. He was known as “The First American” for his tireless campaigning for colonial unity. He exemplified the emerging American nation as the first United States ambassador to France.

 

Alexander Hamilton was a military commander, lawyer, banker economist, statesman and politician. As one of the Founders he was a prominent interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution. As the founder of America’s financial system and first secretary of the treasury, his ideas laid the groundwork for America’s government and finance. He helped ratify the Constitution by authoring 51 of 85 installments of the Federalist Papers, a series of pro-ratification essays that are one of the most influential political science papers in American history and which are still used as one of the most significant references for the interpretation of the Constitution.  

 

John Jay who initially supported reconciliation with England chose independence once the Revolutionary War became inevitable. He was a statesman, diplomat, abolitionist, patriot and negotiator. He was a negotiator of the Treaty of Paris in which Britain recognized America’s independence. He was a co-author of the Federalist Papers along with Hamilton and Madison and writer five of the eighty-five essays. He was the first Chief Justice of the United States. As an abolitionist he signed into law An Act for the gradual Abolition of slavery.

 

Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and was a promoter of democracy, individual rights, and republicanism. He was a diplomat, statesman, lawyer, philosopher and architect who became the third President of the United States. A persuasive orator, Jefferson worked at motivating American colonists to break from Great Britain and form a separate sovereign country. He represented Virginia at the Continental Congress where the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

 

James Madison is known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his important role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the United States Bill of Rights. He was a diplomat, statesman, expansionist, philosopher and co-author of The Federalist Papers. He was one of the organizers of the Constitutional Convention and one of the most influential individuals at the convention as a leader in promoting the ratification of the Constitution. He was the fourth President of the United States.

 

George Washington was a military general, political leader and statesman. He led the Patriotic army to victory during the Revolutionary War solidifying the colonies’ break from Britain and presided over the Continental Congress which established our federal government. He played a pivotal role in the adoption and ratification of the constitution. Known as “Father of our Country” for his leadership of the nascent country, he established a strong well financed national government. Elected president twice he set the precedent for the office of the president to include the title of “Mr. President” declining any title such as “King” that would suggest absolute rule.

 

The Founders were not perfect, but their shortcomings do not and should not define them or diminish their greatness and historical significance. They are celebrated for their role in creating the foundation of a nation built on the ideals of freedom, equality, natural and civil rights and pursuit of individual opportunity. They are the reason for our independence, our national identity and our country’s devotion to the higher ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In framing the Declaration of Independence these extraordinary men promoted the interests of ordinary people rather than the dictates of kings, emperors and dictators. The Constitution has provided a resilient document that has guided America through almost 250 years of trials and tribulations and has kept our country strong. Thanks to our Founders, America remains a beacon of hope and opportunity to all people around the world.


11/27/19 - Thanksgiving Message from NAHFM - Giving Thanks and Recognition of A Shared History

 

At this time of year, Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Month, and National American History and Founders Month, gives us the opportunity to reflect on our collective history and give thanks for the country in which we live.

 

The first Thanksgiving dates back to November 1621 when Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts for a three-day autumn harvest celebration. Many Native nations historically celebrated and gave thanks for abundant harvest seasons. In fact, Thanksgiving’s holiday tradition of gratitude originates from the Native American philosophy of giving without expecting anything in return. The Wampanoags, for example, taught the newcomers about agriculture, fishing, and hunting. 

 

Settlers’ traditions also included days of feasting and giving thanks. Some early English settlers were required by their charter to celebrate the day of their arrival annually as a day of thanksgiving. Over the next several decades, autumn thanksgiving festivals followed the harvest.

In September 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation, designating November 26, 1789 as the first official thanksgiving. In particular, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the successful ratification of the new Constitution. John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanksgiving during their presidencies.

 

It took many years for Thanksgiving to become the holiday we celebrate today. Since 2008, the day after Thanksgiving is designated Native American Heritage Day. As November shares the commemorations National American History and Founders Month and Native American Heritage Month, we honor our nation’s history, give thanks for our blessings, and have the opportunity to grow as a country for many years to come.


11/6/2019 - New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu Tweets about NAHFM

ADDITIONAL INFO

RESOURCES


American History & Founders Features

How much do you know about America's founding and Founding Fathers? These feature articles will educate and entertain you about the people, places, and holidays that we know today.

CONTACT US


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