Benedictine University America 250 logo

Monday, June 29, 2026

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence 1776-2026

Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby

Community Event

11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public

Self-guided tour of a private collection of signed “Founding Fathers” documents, featuring correspondences from John Hancock, John Jay, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, George Clinton, and many others.

There will be other works of art, historical displays, music, and complimentary refreshments. Families are welcome.

Made in America, 3’x5′ outdoor flags will be for sale as part of our “Benedictine Four Corners” partnership (a portion of each flag sale benefits the Benedictine Fund).

A community partnership between St. Procopius Abbey, Villa St. Benedict, Benedictine Sisters, Benet Academy, and Benedictine University.

Purchase Flags

Sponsorships are available now!

Please contact Phil Hardy, PhD, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
[email protected] | 630-829-6292

Tiered Sponsorship Levels

Premium
$10,000

  • Presenting Sponsor
  • Company logo incorporated with event logo
  • Front page recognition in event program
  • Logo display on Benedictine University website
  • Community display Table

Gold
$5,000

  • Digital display at event
  • Logo in event program
  • Logo display on Benedictine University website
  • Community display table

Silver
$2,500

  • Sponsor name listed in event program
  • Sponsor name on Benedictine University website

Community
$500

  • Sponsor name in event program

Purchase a Flag

Total Flags: 250 Flags available
Size: 3’x5’ hand stitched, Made in America, outdoor flags
Cost: $75 each (includes a gift to support the Benedictine Fund)
Display begins Tuesday, June 23. Available for pickup Monday, July 6

The collection of flags, all for sale, will be on display on the “Benedictine Four Corners” of Maple Ave. and Yackley/College Rd. beginning Tuesday, June 23 and ending Monday, July 6. Flags are available for pickup Monday, July 6.

A portion of each flag sale benefits the Benedictine Fund.

Purchase Flags
American Flag blowing in wind

The Founding Fathers Collection Samples

Three sample documents from among many in the Founding Fathers Collection owned by a Benedictine University alumnus. The full collection will be available for viewing in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby on June 29.

An original print of 1776 magazine

By the time copies were available in England, the states had already declared their independence. The “proclamation of May 15th” is in the magazine, which set the stage for the colonies to announce the “Thirteen United States of America” on July 4th.

John Hancock property document dated Dec. 13, 1771

Drafted to protect Hancock from future claims against property he once owned and sold. One of the signers, Justice of the Peace Belcher Noyes, testified in the Boston Massacre case against the British soldiers.

Pay slip to Colonial express riders dated May 30, 1776

Pay slip to Colonial Express Riders from Elijah Bennett.

For more information, please contact:
Phil Hardy, PhD, Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
[email protected] | 630-829-6292