Announcing The American 250

The stuff of America

This fall I revisited my MFAH 100 series for the launch of that project’s book.¹ This reminded me how much I enjoyed writing short daily entries about art, so I’ve decided to take up the mantle once again with a new project of one-a-day writing.

This time, in honor of the 250^th anniversary of the United States in 2026, I will write about 250 American objects. Here are the two criteria for inclusion:

• The object is, or was, made by an American;

• The object is physically located in America.

There will be a lot of art, but there will be other things too. I’ve been having a lot of fun putting the initial list together. Many miles to go. Suggestions are welcome in the comments.

I will publish Monday through Friday throughout 2026, taking a couple of breaks, adding up to 250 objects during the course of the year. I’ll begin with the first object on January 1st, and will wrap things up on December 31^st, 2026.

Please feel free to spread the word. The American 250. Here we go!

- Rainey

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Thanks for reading!

1. The museum’s shop does not have many copies left of the paperback — get it while you can!