Gov. Jim Pillen announced that the Nebraska Capitol is displaying historical material created by PragerU, a controversial conservative content creator, as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Tuesday.
The White House launched the Founders Museum in partnership with PragerU last year to celebrate the United States’ 250th year of independence, reportedly sending letters to state governors encouraging them to place the Founders Museum display in state capitols, schools, and embassies.
The museum’s exhibit, “The Road to Liberty,” includes portraits of historic battles, signers of the Declaration of Independence, prominent female figures, and immigrant founders. While the display was not fully complete Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol, the full exhibit can be viewed online with videos created by artificial intelligence. QR codes on the displays route viewers to the Road to Liberty website.
The Founders Museum display has drawn criticism from the American Historical Association, which said it focuses on a small set of experiences. Some educators and parents have also questioned the accuracy of previous PragerU content, including a video that featured an animated Christopher Columbus saying: “Being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no? I don’t see the problem.”
PragerU’s CEO has previously argued that the U.S. education system is a “left-wing propaganda machine.”
Gov. Jim Pillen responded to potential criticism of the exhibit, emphasizing unity and celebrating American history rather than focusing on disagreements.
“If anybody has a problem, I just say, hey, we're the United States of America” Pillen said. “We are Americans. Everybody has the opportunity to celebrate America as you see fit. Let's celebrate America together and focus on unity.”
Nebraska State Historical Society Director Daryl Bohac, who serves as chairperson of the state’s Semiquincentennial Commission, said the commission reviewed and approved the exhibit after the White House Task Force on America250 contacted them.
“We looked at it and we thought that the opportunity for all citizens, but particularly young people, to learn about the signers and the events… was worthy,” Bohac said. “I haven't looked at all of them. But I think all those folks that are on the wall did sign the Declaration of Independence.”
A spokesperson for Pillen confirmed the displays were put up Monday throughout the Capitol hallways on the first floor. The exhibit is expected to continue to be displayed throughout the summer.
The U.S. Semiquincentennial this year will honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The taxpayer-funded America250 campaign was launched to commemorate the anniversary.
Pillen said events planned in Nebraska include a student essay and art contest on “What America Means to Me” to win field trips to sites including the White House, Kennedy Space Center, and Mt. Rushmore. There will also be concerts Memorial Day weekend in Omaha and Lincoln where up to 1,000 volunteers will unfurl a 250 by 500 foot flag. More information will be available at the still-under-construction website, America250.nebraska.gov.
Last summer, President Trump began a yearlong campaign marking America’s 250th birthday. In July, he spent over an hour in Iowa celebrating his administration’s accomplishments and his vision for the country, including the newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which was unanimously supported by all of Nebraska’s congressional lawmakers.