[WASHINGTON, D.C.] May 27, 2026 — As Miss America continues its nationwide rollout of initiatives commemorating the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the organization is proud to announce a national collaboration with 51 Steps to Freedom, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating the world’s largest outdoor museum through immersive augmented reality experiences designed to deepen public understanding of America’s shared history.
Centered on civic education, historical storytelling, and community engagement, 51 Steps to Freedom works to honor the stories of courage, resilience, and innovation that have shaped the nation’s ongoing pursuit of liberty. Through interactive educational programming and technology-driven experiences, the organization is reimagining how Americans connect with history in the lead-up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
As part of the collaboration, Miss America will support Signing the American Promise, a year-long augmented reality initiative developed by 51 Steps to Freedom that invites Americans across the country to symbolically sign a living version of the Declaration of Independence. The immersive activation encourages participants to reaffirm the founding ideals of liberty, opportunity, civic responsibility, and national unity as part of their celebration of the nation’s founding.
In addition to the commemorative initiative, the partnership establishes an ongoing collaboration between Miss America and 51 Steps to Freedom’s broader educational programming, including the 51 Steps to Freedom® Trail, the 50 States One Nation initiative, augmented reality civic storytelling experiences, and community-centered historical engagement efforts.
Together, the organizations will work to promote civic education, historical literacy, leadership, and empowerment among young women and communities nationwide.
“Since its inception, Miss America has believed in the power of service, leadership, and informed civic engagement,” said Robin Fleming, CEO of the Miss America Organization. “The collaboration with 51 Steps to Freedom allows us to connect communities to the stories that shaped our nation while inspiring the next generation to actively participate in its future.”
“We’re proud to partner with Miss America, an organization that champions education, leadership, and civic responsibility,” said H.H. Leonards, Co-Founder of 51 Steps to Freedom. “Together, we hope to create meaningful experiences that invite more Americans into a shared civic journey and encourage individuals across the country to connect with the ideals that shape our nation — and help carry those ideals forward for future generations.”
Miss America’s national footprint continues to grow in support of America’s 250th, reflecting the organization’s investment in initiatives that honor the nation’s history while elevating the leaders who will shape its future—unifying storytelling, service, education, and civic engagement on a national stage.