The National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250) have partnered to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The partnership will enrich efforts to educate and inspire as the nation begins the countdown to the largest and most inclusive commemoration in the nation’s history. The commemoration period launched on July 4, 2020 and will continue through 2026. During that time, America 250 and the NPS will work to connect nearly 350 million Americans, as well as millions of international friends, with the country’s heritage and continuing journey. The goal is to promote shared stories and experiences through programs, educatinal outreach, and signature events leading up to July 4, 2026.
The American 250 program at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is called "America Untold". This program commemorates America’s upcoming 250th birthday through artwork celebrating the untold stories of those whose contributions aided in the growth of the United States. Artists selected a story from 1776 through today, created an original drawing, painting, sculpture, poem, story, etc. and provided a short paragraph that explained how their piece connects the Paterson themes of immigration, innovation, industrial history, natural world, or sports to the America 250 theme of telling the untold stories that helped to make America a more perfect union.
We are accepting artwork through 2026. If you would like to submit, please create your art, take a picture and email it to GFYC2024@gmail.com, please include a title, the description of how your work connects Paterson's themes with the America 250 theme of forming a more perfect union. Include your name and age (if a child) if you would like and the medium.
This page was published on August 25, 2024; That National Park Service's 108th Birthday.
A groundhog laying on grass with the waterfall in the background
Created by Oliver Lin
This picture of a groundhog is important to America because he is part of nature, which is a big part of the beauty of America since our country.
Artist - Oliver Lin age 6 Medium - Acrylic paint on canvas.
Multi colored flowers on a canvas
Created by Lily Lin
This painting celebrates nature. Nature is a melting pot of flowers and everyone can get together to celebrate like we do with America's birthday.
Artist - Lily Lin age 9 Medium - Acrylic paint on canvas
An American flag combined with Lenape color elements.
Artist Anonymous
On February 14, 1778, a Continental Navy’s ship, the Ranger, received an official salute of the French Naval fleet. The flag flown on the Ranger’s mast had thirteen alternating red and white stripes and a field of blue in the upper left corner, with thirteen white stars in a circle. This salute marks the first time that a colonial flag was recognized by a foreign government. That same year, the United States signed one of its earliest treaties with another sovereign government, the Lenape (Delaware) Nation. Known as the Treaty of Fort Pitt, the treaty’s primary goal was to establish an alliance with the Lenape against the British and create “perpetual peace and friendship”. This re-imagined flag symbolizes this treaty by combining the colors of the United States (red, white, and blue) with the red and black colors of the Lenape Nation. Over the years, this treaty was forgotten, and replaced with centuries of colonialism which led to forced migration. Today, most of the Lenape people are now dispersed throughout United States and Canada. The United States will celebrate it’s 250thanniversary in 2026. In the spirit of this great experiment to continue to form a more perfect union, we recognize that awareness of historical exclusion and erasure of Indigenous people is critically important, and we are committed to working to overcome the effects through consultation and educational partnerships with the Lenape nations today.
Artist – Anonymous Medium - PowerPoint
Shine A Spotlight On Paterson
Written by GFYC Member Oliver
Paterson was the home of many creations,
that all helped in America's innovation.
The hometown of many people and stories that helped shape America’s future,
yet seemingly untold like a far off rumor.
Like did you know the first successful submarine was tested in paterson?
Seems like something that would happen in europe or the hudson.
Or Larry Doby who broke the color barrier in the American league.
Simply overshadowed by Jackie Robinson in the National League.
There are many stories that deserve a shining light,
like Mary Ellen Kramer who wouldn’t go down without a fight.
She saved the area of the great falls we have today,
and at the same time was able to raise awareness about preserving areas that are in disarray.
Where you are standing right now holds a lot of history,
A lot of train engines were built here in this former factory.
The golden spike ceremony: 1869 in Utah,
two engines were there: one of them from Paterson’s 119 from Thomas Rogers.
These are many stories that deserve a shining light,
so maybe one day these stories will be told proud and bright.
Hotdog in a bun with mustard and chili
Created by artist Ranger Clem
"ALL THE WAY" The Texas Weiner (Chili Dog) was invented in New Jersey. Some say in Paterson. The immigrants who worked in the mills in the 1920's and 1930's needed a cheap fast lunch. The hot dog fulfilled that need.
Artist - Ranger Clem Medium- Acrylic on clay
The American Flag is being made by silk weavers.
Artist Anonymous
When I reflect on Paterson's industrial history, the silk industry stands out as a defining chapter. By choosing to portray these silk looms, I aimed to highlight Paterson's significant contribution to the nation's industrial growth. However, the true strength of this “Silk City” lies not just in the looms themselves, but in the hardworking people who brought them to life.
Artist - Anonymous Medium - Acrylic on canvas
A rainbow with the initials A. H. and 1778 on a piece of basalt rock
Created by Artist Darren Boch, Superintendent Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
“The conflict and dashing of the water against the sides of the rock in its fall, produces a fine spray, that issuing from the cleft appears at a distance like a thin body of smoke, while viewed in the sunshine from the edge of the chasm it exhibits a beautiful rainbow.”
These words were penned in 1778 at the Paterson Great Falls by James McHenry, a soldier in George Washington’s army. As the story goes, Mr. McHenry, George Washington, and his entourage, the Marquis de Lafayette, and possibly Alexander Hamilton, picnicked at the Great Falls that July. He wrote about the rainbow in his diary. You can see a rainbow at the Great Falls almost every time there is sun. It is said that a pot of gold exists at the end of the rainbow. Hamilton helped create this pot of gold here in Paterson. It is said that the power of the Great Falls inspired Hamilton to build the first planned industrial city here in Paterson in 1792 to establish an economy for the new United States based on the trade of the products manufactured here. This city was Hamilton’s successful experiment and was instrumental in setting the country on the path to economic success.
Artist - Darren Boch, Superintendent Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Medium - Acrylic paint on basalt rock similar to the rock that forms the chasm of the Great Falls.
The history of Silk City in Paterson
Created by GFYC Member Tasfia
Drawing factories in Paterson connects deeply to the city's rich themes of immigration, innovation, industrial history, and the American Dream. Paterson, known as the "Silk City," was a hub of industrial innovation during the 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting immigrants from around the world who sought opportunities for a better life. These factories became the backbone of Paterson's economy, symbolizing the promise of the American Dream, where hard work could lead to prosperity. The city's industrial power played a crucial role in shaping the United States as a leading industrial power. Paterson's legacy of innovation and its diverse immigrant population were instrumental in building the nation's industrial might.
Artist - GFYC Member Tasfia Medium - Markers and Watercolor paint on illustration board
Looking out at a school from in the silk mill.
Created by GFYC Member Ariana
Dreams: A succession of images, ideas, and emotions that usually occur involuntarily. But is that what children did while working for more than 10 hours a day? Yes and no. They didnt sleep but they dreamt. Dreamt that someday instead of working theyd be able to play, to have fun and to learn. There are many untild stories of children and how they felt and their dreams. Along with that there are many untild stories as well, that we need to recognize of those who helped children by striking for them just like the baby strike of 1835.
This art piece was made to demonstrate the point if view of a child working at a silk factory with the silk looms while looking out the window. Dreaming that one day they will be able to go out and play like the kids nowadays do.
Created by GFYC Member Ariana
Memdium: Watercolor paint, pastels, and markers on illustration board
Water flowing through the falls
Created by artist Tanganyika
The Great Falls of the Passaic River led to the industrialization of the City of Paterson. With the formation of an industrial city, various cultures began to emerge in Paterson. Today, Paterson is even more culturally diverse and it is a perfect representation of America- a beautiful union of various cultures.
The flowers are symbolic of the various cultures with in Paterson and across the United States.
Artist - Paterson Museum Educator Tanganyika Medium - Acrylic paint on canvas
The diversity seen through our flag
Artist Unknown
Drawing an American flag with an "A" in the blue area instead of stars connects to Paterson's themes by symbolizing the city's unique contributions to America's identity. Paterson was built by immigrants seeking the American Dream, fueling the city's industrial growth and innovation. The "A" represents this ambition and the idea that the American Dream is shaped by diverse communities like Paterson, whose efforts helped build the nation's industrial power and define its history.
Artist - Unknown Medium - Acrylic on canvas
Sun shinning down on the waterfall
Artist Unknown
Drawing the Great Falls connects to Paterson’s themes of immigration, innovation, industrial history, and the American Dream by representing the natural power that drove the city’s factories. The falls attracted immigrants seeking work and helped Paterson become an industrial leader. By depicting the falls, this painting highlights how this natural resource was central to Paterson's role in shaping U.S. history as an industrial powerhouse.
Artist - Unknown Medium - Acrylic paint on canvas
A house, factory and nature altogether
Created by Rose Marie
Drawing a house, factories, and the natural world represents Paterson's blend of the American Dream, industrial growth, and natural resources. This imagery reflects how Paterson's mix of home, industry, and nature helped shape U.S. history.
Artist - Rose Marie Medium - Marker on illustration board
Shapes
Created by Abigail Colon
Geometric shapes for factories, organic forms for immigration, and abstract designs for innovation. Together, they symbolize how Paterson’s mix of industry, diversity, and creativity helped shape U.S. history.
Artist - Abigail Colon Medium - Acrylic on canvas
Colors creating a flag
Created by ZOP
I decided to paint this to show that in order to form the most perfect union, there must be unity between people with different opinions and parties, and compromise, to make a better country.
Artist - ZOP Medium - Acrylic on canvas
Peace and love represented by our flag
Artist Unknown
Drawing an American flag with a peace sign and a heart represents Paterson’s themes of unity, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The peace sign reflects the harmony among immigrant communities, while the heart symbolizes the passion driving their aspirations. This imagery connects to how Paterson's diverse, industrious spirit helped shape U.S. history.
Artist - Unkown Medium - Acryllic on canvas
American love
Created by artist Sky
Drawing an American flag with hearts next to it represents Paterson’s themes by symbolizing the love and hope that immigrants brought to the city. The hearts reflect the passion and commitment of those who came to Paterson seeking better lives, contributing to its industrial growth and innovation. This imagery ties back to how Paterson helped shape U.S. history, as the city became a symbol of opportunity and progress within the broader American narrative.
Artist - Sky Medium - Marker on illustration board
Paterson landscape with factories on the raceway.
Artist Anonymous
A Pastel of the Great Falls, trains and the raceway captures Paterson's blend on natural power, innovation, and industry. This imagery reflects how the city attracted immigrants and fueled industrial growth, playing a key role in shaping US history.
Artist - Anonymous Medium - Pastel on illustration board
The 119 train was present at the Golden Spike Ceremony. Its engine was made in Paterson.
Created by GFYC Member Mahdi
The Importance behind this historical locomotive is its journey and accomplishment at the Golden Spike ceremony. The 119 met the Jupiter which was another Locomotive at the time which was built in New York. When the 119 had met the Jupiter at the ceremony a golden spike was placed in the last hole, completing the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. This railroad affected America greatly, offering better transportation for the public, letting Americans cross the continent in a matter of days.
Artist - GFYC Member Mahdi Medium - Acrylic on clay
George Washington and his horse Nelson.
Artist Anonymous
George Washington was in charge of the Continental Army for Revolutionary War. Due to his and the army's sacrifice America was able to become what it is today. Geroge Washington is a symbol for all soldiers, past and present, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Artist - Anonymous Medium - Marker on illustration board
"The Neighborhood Daffodils"
by Mizan Rahman
Those daffodils in the time of apricot blossom,
Singing serenity in a melancholic melody.
Old windows, new scenery, old breeze and the new smell.
Smell of hope you reckon?
Daffodils, the uninvited guest, how will you stay?
Enough to see me change? Or you too in a hurry?
Answer me. Send a letter or, bloom.
Funny bit of sky, those lazily swinging leafeless tree and a maroon color bird. How eclectic artistry.
Burnt sienna is an oil paint, useful and elegant, why not enerythimg as such?
It changes, values, meaning, pain, even you, daffodil. Like a tapestry, made of wool with warmth and affliction.
Wait, see me change too.
Artist: Mizan Rahman Medium: Poetry
Water flowing through the falls.
Water is flowing under the bridge and into the river showing the beauty of nature.
Artist: Hannah
Medium: Oil Pastel
