Beyond the screen and onto the road: A firsthand look at the people and places defining our national identity as America approaches its 250th birthday.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — (May 8, 2026) — In an era of debate over American identity, The Great American Road Trip has released the official trailer for a new series that asks: Who are we? Following U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family, this five-part journey encourages Americans to step away from their screens for a vital civic experience. From small towns to iconic landmarks, the series captures the unscripted moments and shared values that prove to love America, you have to see America. The series will be released for free on YouTube, allowing every American family to follow along
“America isn’t something you can understand from a screen,” said Secretary Sean
Duffy. “It has to be experienced on its roads, in its towns, and among its people. That’s why, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I accepted this invitation to rediscover the country mile by mile, windows down, and hearts open. My hope is that other families will feel inspired to do the same.”
The series highlights a powerful truth: America’s most compelling stories are
everywhere—if you’re willing to look. By blending the history of our nation’s founding with visits to local businesses and thriving small towns, it captures the unique freedom and spontaneity found only on the open road.
“The trailer highlights exactly what this series is all about,” said Tori Barnes, executive director of The Great American Road Trip. “It’s real, it’s unscripted, a celebration of America’s 250th birthday from the road, while capturing the moments you don’t expect but remember the most. You’ll see people, places, and stories that define this country, and it will make you want to go out and experience it for yourself.”
The series is part of The Great American Road Trip, a multi-platform storytelling
initiative encouraging Americans to explore more than 250 Official Stops across the country. And with a tone that is both nostalgic and forward-looking, the trailer sets the stage for a series rooted in family, freedom, and the open road.
View the trailer here. To follow along, learn more about upcoming stops, and see
highlights from the trip, visit greatamericanroadtrip.org.
Press inquiries may be sent to [email protected]
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The Great American Road Trip is a multi-platform storytelling journey that celebrates America’s 250th birthday by uniting people, places, and purpose through the lens of travel. It honors the past, embraces the present, and inspires exploration of what lies ahead. Through cinematic storytelling and live events, The Great American Road Trip inspires Americans to hit the road, explore the nation’s destinations, and rediscover the people, places, and innovations that make the United States extraordinary.
The Great American Road Trip is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, fully funding its own efforts to celebrate and share America’s story.
For more information about The Great American Road Trip, contact Tori Barnes at
[email protected].