America250: The United States Prepares for a Milestone Anniversary

The campaign, which officially kicked off with New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square, coordinates a massive series of events under the guidance of the US Semiquincentennial Commission. Established by Congress in 2016, the commission partners with the nonprofit America250.org to foster a nonpartisan dialogue about the nation's evolution. Organizers have set an ambitious goal dubbed "350 for 250," seeking to ensure that every American finds a way to participate in the year-long historical retrospective.

This celebration traces its roots back to July 4, 1776, when the founding colonies formally severed ties with British rule. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration, worked alongside Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to refine a document that would become the bedrock of American governance. As the country approaches the July 4, 2026, anniversary, the focus remains on honoring those original contributions while shifting the national conversation toward the aspirations of the next generation.