FAPE, Crayola, and Crozier bring the Declaration of Independence into the classroom to launch a nationwide initiative for America’s 250th anniversary.
In February 2026, as part of the FAPE x Crayola Creative Freedom Campaign, Crozier proudly supported their nationwide initiative. Three public schools and three public libraries were selected to host a replica of the historic 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence. Three of the institutions also received Joel Grey’s The Statue of Liberty and Carrie Mae Weems’ Echoes For Marian. All works are on loan from the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE).
“Our goal is to bring American art and history into new contexts where it can educate and inspire. Programs like this allow students to engage directly with that legacy.”Jennifer A. Duncan, FAPE Director
Launched in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the program brings works from FAPE’s collection beyond embassy walls and into schools, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with art, history, and civic identity. Debuting at Kettering Middle School Spanish Immersion in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the unveiling brought together students, educators, and distinguished guests. Remarks from Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, FAPE Director Jennifer Duncan, and a keynote address from FAPE Board Member Eugene Robinson in recognition of Black History Month, underscored the enduring relevance of the nation’s founding ideals. A special performance by artist, activist, and poet Roberto Lugo added a powerful voice to the program.
For Crozier, it was a unique opportunity to contribute to the day's presentation and education. The custom crates were the result of a highly collaborative process between FAPE, Crayola, and Crozier’s Regional Crating Manager Jeffrey Colburn and the team at our Hargrove facility. Since 2013, Crozier has built the crates for FAPE that have transported the replicas of the Declaration of Independence to embassies worldwide.
Drawing on this experience, James Hendy, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Crozier and a FAPE Board Member, tasked the team with reimagining the traditional crate as a commemorative object that took the form of a Crayola crayon box in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The project required multiple design iterations and detailed fabrication, with custom graphics made from adhesive vinyl to achieve the vibrant finish. While visually playful, the crates remain true to Crozier’s standards: engineered for preservation and transportation. The result is a functional object d’art that’s a testament to the craftsmanship and care of the Crozier crating team.
Students also participated in hands-on Art Handling Workshops where they were introduced to the fundamentals of how artworks are packed, moved, and installed for galleries, museums, and private collectors. By demystifying the logistics behind art, the workshops offered a new perspective into careers that support cultural stewardship.
Overall, the event was a celebration of the power of collaboration by connecting creativity, education, and civic reflection.
