Pet rocks. The lunar module. Peanut butter. The cotton gin. Post-It Notes. MTV. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence with this unique look at objects that celebrate America’s ingenuity, inventiveness, and imagination.

From the writing of the Declaration of Independence to the invention of the hula hoop, Americans have been innovating for 250 years. Our ingenuity and can-do nature has led to everything from the creation of frozen food to the mass-produced automobile, the lunar module, and beyond. In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, American Imagination celebrates the United States by looking at the story of our country not by historical events, but by the things we invented that made life easier, more enjoyable, and more efficient, and that changed the world.

Each year of our nation’s history, from 1776 to 2026, is highlighted by a single object invented during that year. Fascinating text gives insight as to why the object was created, and how; and timelines show how genres such as sports and technology developed over the years. From toys and games to machines that put us into space; from contributions that heavily influenced the zeitgeist to innovations in leisure and lifestyle and technological feats once thought impossible, this lavishly illustrated collection has something for everyone. It is the ultimate celebration of the American spirit.