As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the City of Florence is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating the people, places, and stories that shape our shared history. Florence’s America 250 initiative invites residents and visitors to explore our community through events, storytelling, historic reflections, and new experiences that highlight the spirit of our city.
One Nation, Many Stories
Florence’s story is shaped by the people, places, and moments that have defined our community. As part of the America 250 celebration, this video series highlights local history through guided tours and stories from across the Shoals. A new video will be released each month leading up to the Spirit of Freedom Celebration on July 4, 2026, sharing the stories that make Florence unique.
Passport to Florence
Explore. Experience. Celebrate.
Florence is celebrating 208 years of history and the upcoming America 250 anniversary with a citywide adventure. Grab your Passport to Florence and experience the many stories that make up Florence, and add to your own with each memory made.
Visit locations
Share your experience
Enter to win prizes
Your Adventure Starts Here: How To Play
Participating in the Passport to Florence program is easy and fun.
Step 1 – Visit Locations
Explore historic sites, museums, parks, and community events across Florence.
Step 2 – Document Your Visit
Take a photo or mark the location on your printed passport.
Step 3 – Enter to Win
Share your photo using #FlorenceAL250 and/or turn in your completed passport.
Two Ways to Participate
Social Media Entry
- Visit passport locations and share your experience on Facebook/Instagram.
- Post your photo and tag: #FlorenceAL250
- Each post counts as an entry into the monthly drawings.
Printed Passport Entry
- Download and print the foldable Passport to Florence.
- As you visit locations, check them off and turn in your completed passport to:
- Florence Arts & Museums Office
Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts
217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL
Prize Opportunities: Win Along the Way
Explorer: Visit 3+ Locations
Qualify for the monthly prize drawings.
Historian: Visit 10+ Locations
Qualify for the Grand Prize Drawing.
Participants submit one passport entry for the entire campaign, which will be used for both monthly drawings and the Grand Prize drawing. Visit 3+ locations to qualify for monthly prize drawings and 10+ locations to qualify for the monthly and the Grand Prize drawing.
Monthly prizes will be awarded throughout the campaign and may include local restaurant gift cards, event tickets, museum passes, swag baskets, and other prizes from community partners.
The Grand Prize winner will be announced July 4.
Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate by contributing prizes that help celebrate and showcase the Florence community.
Explore Florence Passport Stops:
Shoals Tourism | Florence Arts & Museums (Pope’s Tavern, Florence Indian Mound Museum, Kennedy-Douglass Center) | W.C. Handy Home & Museum | Field of Flags at Deibert Park | Veterans Memorial Park | Florence-Lauderdale Public Library | John Coffee Memorial Cemetery | University of North Alabama Campus | Walk of Honor at River Heritage Park | Wilson Park Events (Arts Alive, First Fridays, Music in the Park) | Historic Downtown Walking Tour | List of Passport Locations
Ready to start exploring?
Visit passport locations and share your adventure on Facebook or Instagram. Post photos and tag #FlorenceAL250 so we can follow along or Download your foldable Passport to Florence, start visiting locations, and discover the people, places, and stories that make Florence part of America’s 250-year journey.