America 250 – Founding Fathers Collection

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Monday, June 29, 2026

Celebrating the 250^th Anniversary of American Independence 1776-2026

Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby

Community Event

11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public

Self-guided tour of a private collection of signed “Founding Fathers” documents, featuring correspondences from John Hancock, John Jay, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, George Clinton, and many others.

There will be other works of art, historical displays, music, and complimentary refreshments. Families are welcome.

Made in America, 3’x5′ outdoor flags will be for sale as part of our “�� Four Corners” partnership (a portion of each flag sale benefits the �� Fund).

A community partnership between St. Procopius Abbey, Villa St. Benedict, �� Sisters, Benet Academy, and �� University.

Sponsorships are available now!

Please contact Phil Hardy, PhD, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
[email protected] | 630-829-6292

Tiered Sponsorship Levels

Premium
$10,000

Presenting Sponsor
Company logo incorporated with event logo
Front page recognition in event program
Logo display on �� University website
Community display Table

Gold
$5,000

Digital display at event
Logo in event program
Logo display on �� University website
Community display table

Silver
$2,500

Sponsor name listed in event program
Sponsor name on �� University website

Community
$500

Sponsor name in event program

Purchase a Flag

Total Flags: 250 Flags available
Size: 3’x5’ hand stitched, Made in America, outdoor flags
Cost: $75 each (includes a gift to support the �� Fund)
Display begins Tuesday, June 23. Available for pickup Monday, July 6

The collection of flags, all for sale, will be on display on the “�� Four Corners” of Maple Ave. and Yackley/College Rd. beginning Tuesday, June 23 and ending Monday, July 6. Flags are available for pickup Monday, July 6.

A portion of each flag sale benefits the �� Fund.

The Founding Fathers Collection Samples

Three sample documents from among many in the Founding Fathers Collection owned by a �� University alumnus. The full collection will be available for viewing in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby on June 29.

An original print of 1776 magazine

By the time copies were available in England, the states had already declared their independence. The “proclamation of May 15th” is in the magazine, which set the stage for the colonies to announce the “Thirteen United States of America” on July 4th.

John Hancock property document dated Dec. 13, 1771

Drafted to protect Hancock from future claims against property he once owned and sold. One of the signers, Justice of the Peace Belcher Noyes, testified in the Boston Massacre case against the British soldiers.

Pay slip to Colonial express riders dated May 30, 1776

Pay slip to Colonial Express Riders from Elijah Bennett.

Choral-Aires

Choral-Aires, an a cappella barbershop chorus, will be performing during the event. They are teachers, businesswomen, nurses, students, artists, retirees, and even a few Bigfoot hunters. The Choral-Aires have performed everywhere from baseball games and senior communities to world-wide competitions in Honolulu, Nashville, Las Vegas, and New Orleans.

What brings them together? The music, the friendships, the sparkly costumes, but most of all the exhilaration of doing what they love exceptionally well and sharing that joy with others.

Maze the Artist

Kenton Avery, aka Maze the Artist, is a mixed media pop artist and product designer, including a distinct clothing line.

Maze will be creating a large work of canvas art, inspired by the Declaration of Independence and America 250, throughout the community event and donating the work to the University.