Phnom Penh: On September 17, 2026—The history of the United States is being brought to life in Phnom Penh through the Freedom 250 Founders Museum, an interactive exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and offering Cambodian students and the public an opportunity to explore key figures and moments in American history.
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh Chargé d’Affaires, a. i. Aleks Zittle and American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) President Dr. Matthew Schenk officially opened the exhibition at AUPP.
The Founders Museum is part of a White House initiative marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. Through interactive displays, the exhibition highlights the nation’s founders, defining moments in American history, and notable Americans whose courage and ingenuity contributed to shaping the United States.
A key feature of the exhibition allows visitors to use their mobile phones to scan QR codes and activate animated, first-person videos featuring iconic Americans. Through these digital experiences, visitors can hear historical figures share their stories and gain a more personal perspective on the people and events that shaped the country.
“Today we welcome our Freedom 250 Founders Museum back to Phnom Penh, after traveling to American Corners across Cambodia this year,” said Chargé d’Affaires Aleks Zittle. “The Founders Museum is an important part of our 250th anniversary celebrations. It invites visitors to step into American history and explore the people and events that helped forge the United States.”
The return of the Founders Museum to Phnom Penh forms part of the U.S. Embassy’s broader Freedom 250 celebrations in Cambodia. The initiative aims to engage Cambodian audiences, particularly students and young people, through educational and cultural activities that share aspects of American history and achievements.
Following its journey to American Corners across Cambodia, the exhibition’s return to the capital provides visitors in Phnom Penh with an opportunity to experience the interactive museum and explore American history through a combination of physical displays and digital storytelling.
The Freedom 250 Founders Museum will remain on display at AUPP from September 18 to October 6, 2026, welcoming students and members of the public to explore the exhibition.
Photo by: Supplied
