Documentary Celebrating Pekin’s Historic Fourth of July Tradition to Premiere August 25

A Community Posting by the Pekin Community Betterment Organization

A new documentary celebrating Pekin’s nationally recognized Fourth of July tradition will

premiere Tuesday, August 25, bringing together community members, filmmakers, and local

organizations to celebrate the history and stories behind one of Indiana’s most cherished community

traditions.

The Fourth of July in Pekin, IN, directed by local filmmaker Erik Thein, captures the spirit of Pekin’s

annual Fourth of July celebration and the generations of residents who have worked together to make it

the oldest consecutively celebrated Fourth of July festival in the nation.

The premiere is presented by Indiana Humanities, the Pekin Community Betterment Organization, and

the John Hay Center. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is appreciated. Light

refreshments will be served.

Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a brief question-and-

answer session with Thein and community members who have played a role in organizing and preserving Pekin’s Fourth of July celebration.

The evening will also provide an opportunity for community members to share their own memories of

Pekin’s Fourth of July and provide feedback on the film. The filmmakers are currently working to develop

the material captured for the short documentary into a full-length documentary, making community

stories and memories an important part of the project.

“This documentary is about more than a celebration. It is about the people who have kept this tradition

alive for generations,” said Shelby-lain Whitaker of the Pekin Community Betterment Organization.

“Every parade, fireworks display, festival event, and family gathering is part of a much larger story about

what makes Pekin special.”

A Celebration of Community History

The documentary and community discussion are part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a

series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its

territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners.

Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life while encouraging communities

to imagine and discuss their shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State

Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to

the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

The Pekin project offers a unique opportunity to examine a piece of American history through the lens of

a small Indiana community whose Fourth of July tradition has endured for nearly two centuries.

Residents, former residents, families, and anyone with memories or connections to Pekin’s Fourth of July

are encouraged to attend the premiere and participate in the discussion.

About Indiana Humanities

Indiana Humanities sparks curiosity, connects people, and explores the human experience through

programs, grants, and storytelling. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

About the Pekin Community Betterment Organization

The Pekin Community Betterment Organization is committed to enhancing local life through

collaborative efforts and initiatives that foster growth, connection, and well-being in Pekin, Indiana.

Learn more at Pekin Community Betterment Organization.

About the John Hay Center

The Washington County Historical Society provides stewardship of the John Hay Center, connecting

people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing artifacts and information with visitors. Learn

more at John Hay Center.

Event: Premiere Screening of The Fourth of July in Pekin, IN

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Location: Eastern High School Auditorium Pekin, IN

Time: 6-7:30PM

Admission: Free and open to the public

Registration: Appreciated

For additional information about the event or documentary project, contact the Pekin Community

Betterment Organization.