NILES, Mich. -- 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America's founding, to mark the occasion, the Niles History Center is partnering with area organizations to offer several free events for the public.

On July 8 at 6 p.m., The Michiana Chamber Orchestra Brass Ensemble will play a selection of patriotic music. Following this event, at 7 p.m., the Wonderland Theater will offer a special showing of the new documentary, Frontier to Freedom. Directed and produced by Manitou Films, the documentary explores events in Michigan from the Fur Trade through the Revolution. Portions of the movie were filmed in Niles at the Fort St. Joseph archaeological site and the Niles History Center.

On July 11, at 10 a.m., the Niles History Center will lead a “Rails to Trails” walking tour. Attendees will stroll along the St. Joseph River and learn about the important role both this waterway and railways played in the development of the community from the days of the Fort. The tour meets at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater and lasts about one hour.

On July 22, at 7 p.m. at the Niles District Library, the Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project’s Director Erika Hartley will present a talk, “A Little Post Called St. Joseph.” The talk will explore the role of our local Fort during the American Revolution when the British briefly used the Fort to stage supplies needed in fighting against the American colonists.

The annual Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Open House will occur on August 1 and 2, and will continue to celebrate America 250, highlighting the British occupation of the Fort leading up to and during the Revolution.

For more information you can call the Niles History Center or check out their website.