Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey Celebrate ‘Freedom 250’

by Jeff Johnston | June 5, 2026 | Culture Family

America’s 250th birthday is fast approaching, and Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey are joining in the celebration. 

Freedom 250 is the national celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Focus on the Family is participating in the event in two unique ways: hosting a booth at The Great American State Fair and giving listeners access to free Adventures in Odyssey episodes. 

The ministry will have a booth at The Great American State Fair, June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall. The State Fair features pavilions from all 50 states and 6 territories, specialty exhibits, live performances, interactive experiences and classic fair attractions.

You can visit the Focus on the Family booth in the Faith & Family Pavillion, located near the Smithsonian Castle, where Focus will be highlighting its upcoming film: Adventures in Odyssey – The Movie. 

Adventures in Odyssey is Focus’ long-running Christian radio drama and comedy series, first airing in 1987. As part of its participation in the Freedom 250 celebration, Focus is offering a collection of 16 Odyssey episodes and one 90-minute radio drama – The Legend of Squanto. 

The free Odyssey episodes tell stories from our nation’s history. For example, in Episode 1, “The Day Independence Came,” middle school student Irwin Springer travels back to the American Revolution. In Episodes 5 and 6, Odyssey character Jimmy Barclay takes an Imagination Station adventure to see President Lincoln and the end of the Civil War.

Listeners learn about key moments and people in U.S. History through entertaining adventures with Odyssey characters. 

The Adventures in Odyssey/Freedom 250 website offers other family activities, such as historical stories to read together, recipes, and links to celebrations around the country.   

A press release from the White House touted Focus’ participation, saying: 

America is celebrating a milestone birthday this year, and Focus on the Family is partnering with Freedom 250 to spotlight the courage, faith and sacrifice that shaped our nation in the pursuit of freedom, while also reliving key moments defining our history.
FREEDOM 250 officially begins May 17, and it’s going to be quite the Odyssey – as in Adventures in Odyssey, the award-winning Focus on the Family audio program that’s aired more than 1,000 episodes in its 35-year history. A curated list of 16 key episodes will be streamed for free for families to enjoy as they travel to or from one of FREEDOM 250’s nationwide events. Each story points listeners to the God who shed His grace on America.

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly said, 

It is our prayer that by participating in Freedom 250 we will help Americans recall and reflect upon their heritage, become inspired by the valor and courage of great Americans who came before them and fortify their love for America through the lens of faith and patriotism.

Find out more about Adventures in Odyssey’s collaboration with Freedom 250. 

Related articles and resources: 

Adventures in Odyssey

Adventures in Odyssey Articles

Adventures in Odyssey Club Website

Freedom 250

The Great American State Fair

What is Adventures in Odyssey?