In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Lyric Theatre is proud to present a special year-long United States Semiquincentennial Film Series highlighting powerful stories that reflect the people, moments, and movements that have shaped our nation. Sponsored by the Rufus H. Hardin Museum.

Each film in the series has been thoughtfully selected to honor different perspectives and voices in American history — from unsung heroes to pivotal cultural moments — and to spark conversation, reflection, and community connection.

Our second film in the series is the beloved American classic Forrest Gump. Through the remarkable life of a simple but kind-hearted man from Alabama, the film takes audiences on a journey through several decades of American history. Forrest unknowingly finds himself present at many defining moments of the 20th century—from the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement to cultural shifts that shaped the nation—while reminding us that perseverance, kindness, and integrity can leave an extraordinary mark on the world.

Both humorous and deeply moving, Forrest Gump has become one of the most iconic films in American cinema, offering a unique lens through which to reflect on the events, values, and spirit that have helped define the American experience.

Join us at the Lyric Theatre for this special screening as we continue our journey through stories that celebrate the people and moments that shaped our nation.