Delaware students will once again have the opportunity to step into the shoes of the Founding Fathers during the Students’ 2nd Mock Continental Congress. This event is part of the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Declaration of Independence.
Teachers may submit one student and one alternate to participate in this immersive civic and historical experience. Nominations are due by February 13, 2026, and will be notified of accepted students by February 17. Members of the First State Heritage Park Club at Milford High School participated in a similar event this spring.
“We debated a bunch of other students from other schools,” Julian Collaco said. “We made up debates about popcorn and what the state food should be. It was really cool because we followed all the procedures they do in Congress and in actual hearings. It was fun imagining myself with all that power.”
On Friday, May 1, 2026, from 9 AM until 2:30 PM, selected students will gather at Legislative Hall to debate, deliberate and reenact the momentous issues that confronted the delegates of 1776. Participants will explore the complexities of independence, civil dialogue and democratic decision making. These are skills that remain central to civic engagement today.
Te Delaware Mock 2nd Continental Congress is co-sponsored by Delaware Center for Civics Education, Delaware Historical Society, Delaware Heritage Commission, Delaware Public Archives, Delaware 250, First State Heritage Park, Delaware Department of Education and the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware.
For more information, contact Nicole Worthley of First State Heritage Park  via email or Rebecca Fay of the Delaware Historical Society by email.
