Museums and historical societies are rolling out special showcases to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday. The New York Historical museum, for example, is running a photo exhibit that highlights immigrants throughout the past century. The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia is displaying an original printing of the Declaration of Independence. And the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C., is looking at American history through state fairs—annual public gatherings that feature rides, competitions, and agriculture. The gallery is celebrating more than 240 artworks—including a life-sized cow made of butter—from fairs dating to the mid-19th century. There’s also a digital celebration happening through OnOur250th.org, a website that allows people to post their birthday wishes for America. Says Louise Mirrer, president and chief executive of the New York Historical: “I am hoping that people will take away from the whole range of exhibitions . . . that democracy was achieved as a result of a struggle and that it was hard-fought and hard-won.”