70 Years of Civic Engagement
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Eagleton Institute of Politics — a milestone we are celebrating alongside the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War. Although there is much that has taken place throughout our 70-year history to be proud of, we will not be celebrating by looking to our past – instead, we will use our groundbreaking work as a foundation for meeting this critical moment in American democracy. Now more than ever, we must reflect the ideals of 1776 and ensure they are preserved, protected, and defended.
In 2026, Eagleton is digging deeper, building on our past and expanding the reach of our impact into the future — to harness our history, our expertise, and our mission and core values to lead the way to a “more perfect union.” We aim to build on the work our Institute started and share it with an even wider audience — empowering our students, our campus, and the broader community to actively participate in shaping democracy.
During this consequential anniversary for the United States, and this pivotal moment in our democracy, we hope you will join us as we mark these occasions by embracing active citizenship. Democracy begins and ends with us — “we the people.” What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than by taking action for democracy?
Please consider supporting the space where democracy is taught with a donation.
Upcoming Events
Join the Rutgers Democracy Lab for a Civics Bootcamp Workshop, an interactive, hands-on session designed for students of all majors, disciplines, class years, and experience levels.
Join Eagleton for a fireside chat with Eagleton alumni who are experts in New Jersey politics to discuss insider politics focused on the country at this moment, midterm elections and the first 100 days of Governor Sherrill's administration.
Take Action
Democracy begins and ends with us. Follow us as we explore how we can take action to improve democracy and connect our revolutionary ideals with our contemporary politics.
Our Community
News & Updates
Acting like a democratic citizen is the most meaningful way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday
Celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War have begun across the nation and throughout New Jersey. Indeed, this is a collective moment to marvel at the grand “democratic experiment” forged 250 years ago. However, these celebrations are taking place at a moment of deep division in the United States — with mounting evidence of damage to the nation’s democratic ideals and processes.