The Fourth of July may be behind us, but America's 250th anniversary celebration is just getting started. 

As our nation begins a yearlong commemoration of 250 years of American history, it's the perfect time to connect with the people, places, stories, and traditions that shape our communities.

Join Ozarks Public Television for the America250 Goosechase Challenge, a free, interactive adventure inspired by Ken Burns' documentary The American Revolution. Through fun and engaging missions, participants will explore local history, discover community landmarks, celebrate civic pride, and showcase their creativity.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, student, family, or simply looking for a unique summer activity, there's something for everyone.

How It Works

Using the free Goosechase app, participants will complete missions and earn points throughout the challenge period. Missions are designed to encourage exploration, learning, creativity, and community engagement. Some missions come directly from the national PBS America250 initiative, while others have been customized and created specifically for our local community.

Participate at your own pace! Complete as many or as few missions as you'd like.

Once the app is downloaded, find this Goosechase by searching by title or join code!

TITLE: America Through Our Eyes

JOIN CODE: DEP921

Why Participate?

• Explore local history and community landmarks
• Connect with America's 250th anniversary in a meaningful way
• Learn more about The American Revolution
• Enjoy a flexible, self-paced experience
• Compete for prizes and recognition
• Meet fellow participants at a free celebration event
• Share your creativity and community pride

Important Dates

July 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. | Goosechase Challenge begins
August 3, 2026 | Goosechase Challenge ends
August 3, 2026 | Celebration event RSVP deadline
August 10, 2026 at 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Community Celebration Event*

*ALL participants are invited to attend a FREE community celebration recognizing everyone who joined the challenge!

Community Celebration Event Details

Date: August 10, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Strong Hall Atrium, Missouri State University

RSVP REQUIRED

At the celebration, participants can:

• Meet fellow Goosechasers
• Enjoy complimentary treats and refreshments
• Celebrate America's 250th anniversary
• Recognize top participants and challenge leaders
• Learn more about public media and local history
• Win prizes and special recognition*

*Participants will earn points through mission completion and compete for top honors throughout the challenge. Winners will be determined based on participant achievement and mission performance.

Ready to Join?

Download the Goosechase app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, complete missions, earn points, and discover what makes our community special.

Terms & Participation

Participation in the Goosechase Challenge is subject to official Terms of Use. Through the app, participants will be asked to review and agree to the Terms of Use before participating in the challenge.

Ozarks Public Television invited Scouts, students in middle school and high school, parents, and educators to attend a special Kickoff Rally for OPT's "The American Ideal: A Gen Z Perspective" initiative on Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Glass Hall on the Missouri State University campus. The event featured exclusive preview clips from Ken Burns' new PBS documentary series, "The American Revolution" and PBS LearningMedia educational resources, along with thought-provoking discussions led by local historians, educators, and community leaders about how the ideals of liberty, freedom, and democracy continued to shape our nation today. The event was recorded by OPT and will be posted on optv.org/amrev so that anyone who could not attend in person could still participate. This gathering marked the official launch of OPT's nine-month community engagement initiative, open to Scouts and middle school and high school students (public, private, and homeschool) across the Ozarks. The project will run through July 2026, giving participants ample time to engage with Ken Burns' documentary series and related resources, explore its themes, and share their own creative reflections on what the enduring ideals of the American Revolution meant today.

Watch 'The American Revolution: A Gen Z Perspective - Scout Rally' Online Above

Resources for Participation in
 'The American Ideal: A Gen Z Perspective' Youth Media Initiative

Resources:
Classroom Resources for The American Revolution 
(PBS Learning Media)

The American Revolution Engagement Resource Center 
(PBS documentary, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION)

Sons of the American Revolution Resource Library
Women in the American Revolution
African American Participation in the American Revolution 
Spanish Ties to the American Revolution
(Sons of the American Revolution)

Roles of Native Americans during the Revolution
(American Battlefield Trust)

U.S. History Primary Source Timeline
(Library of Congress)

Public Media Making History at 250
(Public Media NETA)

Our American Story: A Conversation
(National Museum and Center for Service)

Watch all the episodes of 'The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt' online.

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.