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The American tradition of service: A ready to print exhibit

The United States was born out of a selfless commitment to others. The American Revolution did more than establish a new government; it pioneered a new idea of citizenship rooted in the belief that ordinary people have the responsibility to shape the world around them. This dedication to the "common good" is the heart of American liberty, democracy, and civic duty.


This ready to print exhibit is available for schools, communities and museums to explore the role of service in our Nation’s founding. Available in a variety of formats, the exhibit is portable, affordable and accessible. 


Themes explored in this exhibit include:


The Roots of Our Commitment

Our tradition of service is a tapestry woven from diverse cultures drawing from:

  • Indigenous Traditions: Long-standing customs of serving within their own communities.

  • Founding Ideals: Inspiration taken from religious faith, Enlightenment philosophy, and the challenges of settling a new land.

  • Resilience: The traditions of service brought by enslaved and free Africans, often necessitated by their circumstances in early America.


The ethic of service is powerfully documented in our founding charters:

  • The Declaration of Independence: Closes with a mutual pledge of "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor".

  • The U.S. Constitution: Establishes a government intended to "promote the general Welfare" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty" for all generations.


The Visionaries: Leaders like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, and Elizabeth Freeman put these ideals into practice through public service, innovation, and the expansion of rights for others.


An Evolving Legacy


While many—including women, African Americans, and Indigenous peoples—were initially excluded from the full promise of the "American Experiment," their service was vital to the nation's survival. As the definition of "We the People" expanded, the nation grew stronger. From the Red Cross in the 1920s to the creation of the Peace Corps, CARE, and AmeriCorps, the tradition of service has evolved to meet modern challenges.


Service Today and Tomorrow

The spirit of service remains an active force in American life. Today, over 75 million Americans formally volunteer each year, while 137.5 million contribute informally to their neighbors and communities.


"We the People" is more than rhetoric—it is an enduring invitation for every citizen to help build and sustain a just society. Viewers are invited to explore this history and consider how you might carry this tradition into the future.


This exhibit was partially funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. A special thank you to our scholarly advisors on this project: Fergus Bordewich, Robert W. Merry and Deborah Sran.



Print ready files


Professional installation 

An easy to transport, professional structure that provides a 360 viewing experience.



Files


Instructions for the printer:

  • 6 Double sided ½” gator foam panels 36” x 36” [12 Images total, mounted Front & Back on 6 total panels]

  • Direct print to vinyl, (1 for front, 1 for back), matte overlam both sides

  • Mount to ½” Black gator, custom cut 6” notches for display


Easel Installation

Files


Instructions

  • Print on 2'x3' foam board

  • Use and position easels to create a walk around display similar to this Ecologists Without Borders exhibit example.


Consider creating an experience that combines both Easel Installation and Hanging Graphics below.


Hanging Graphics

Files


Instructions

  • Size 2'x3'

  • File contains an additional inch on both the top header and footer to wrap around a bar or create a pocket for hanging.


Projection

Files


Instructions

  • Get creative with a projector, turn the grahpics into a video file, or powerpoint slide with automatic transitions and project the exhibit in a unique location.



Be creative, and consider telling your community's story of service alongside our nation's history of service utilizing the toolkits and templates in our resource database. www.nmcfs.org/resources.



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