The Semiquincentennial
What is America 250?
America 250 is the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Plain English: “Semiquincentennial” means 250th anniversary. In this context, it points to the 1776 Declaration and the long public conversation over independence, rights, government, citizenship, memory, and responsibility.
Official background
Congress created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 through Public Law 114-196 to plan and coordinate the national commemoration. America250 describes the anniversary as a chance to reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions of Americans, and look toward the future.
What this independent site does
- Explains the history in usable language.
- Collects ideas for community events.
- Points readers to primary sources and official materials.
- Helps schools, libraries, veterans groups, churches, museums, and local organizers build nonpartisan programming.
What this site does not do
This site is not the official America250 website and does not speak for the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the federal government, any state commission, or the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.