As part of the nationwide commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, Coral Gables Museum will present a series of exhibitions and public programs connected to America250, contributing to the national reflection on the country’s 250th anniversary through perspectives rooted in South Florida.
Developed within Miami’s larger America250 initiative, the Museum’s programming will explore how migration, civic participation, cultural exchange, and evolving communities contribute to the broader American experience, emphasizing the ways local histories and lived experiences shape conversations surrounding identity, democracy, and collective memory.
Through collaborations, educational initiatives, and community-centered experiences, the Museum will bring together exhibitions, lectures, tours, and family activities designed to connect audiences with the histories and individuals that continue to shape Coral Gables and Miami.
The initiative positions the Museum as a space for dialogue and engagement where architecture, urbanism, history, and public culture converge within the context of the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
Local Leadership, National Legacy:
Coral Gables Mayors Across a Century
EXHIBITION
July 1st – August 16th, 2026
Gallery 109
Presented by Coral Gables Museum in collaboration with the City of Coral Gables, this exhibition commemorates 100 years of civic leadership in The City Beautiful through portraits and biographical profiles of the individuals who have served as Mayor of Coral Gables since 1925.
Spanning a century of public service, the exhibition reflects on the leadership, stewardship, and civic vision that helped shape the city across generations while inviting visitors to consider the role local government and community leadership play within the broader American democratic experience as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Many Voices, One Nation: En Nuestras Palabras
EXHIBITION
Jul 1 – Sep 6, 2026
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and the Allapattah Collaborative CDC, this exhibition was selected as one of only ten organizations nationwide for the landmark America250 initiative.
Centered on storytelling, language, migration, and identity, the project brings together oral histories and community narratives that reflect how personal experiences and local voices contribute to broader understandings of the United States, while highlighting perspectives that have often remained outside dominant historical frameworks.
Traveling Fallen Soldier Memorial
The Coral Gables Museum is honored to present the Traveling Fallen Soldier Memorial, on view as part of its America 250 commemorative programming. Created as a tribute to the memory and sacrifice of America’s fallen service members, the memorial offers a space for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude, honoring those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Presented in partnership with American Legion Post 98, which marks its centennial this year, the memorial reflects a shared commitment to civic service, patriotism, and historical memory. For nearly 100 years, Post 98 has played a vital role in the Coral Gables community through veteran support, youth mentorship, and public service initiatives that continue to strengthen civic life across generations.
Created by Michael Pelton and traveling to communities throughout the country, the memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of freedom and the enduring importance of honoring sacrifice, service, and remembrance.
Capture Coral Gables Photography Contest: America250 Edition
Capture Coral Gables is the Museum’s annual photography competition, inviting photographers of all experience levels to capture the people, places, traditions, and perspectives that shape life in the City Beautiful. The competition celebrates the power of photography to document community life, inspire civic engagement, and preserve the stories that define Coral Gables today.
Presented as part of the nationwide America250 commemoration, the 2026 edition encourages participants to explore themes related to community, civic life, cultural exchange, stewardship, and the future. Through their images, photographers are invited to reflect on how local experiences connect to the broader American story during this historic milestone.
Selected photographs will be featured in a juried exhibition at the Museum, creating a visual snapshot of the city and its people as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its independence.
