Q&A

America250 is the only national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and plan events at the local, state, national and international levels.

Its mission is to engage all 350 million Americans through national programming, major events, partnerships and public participation opportunities across the country.

America250 leads national programs (“The Movement”) focused on service, storytelling, education, innovation, culture and community engagement, some of which will continue past 2026. The values-based programming has driven broad participation. This includes 20,000 student entries to America’s Field Trip over the past 3 contest years; more than 8 million service hours recorded through America Gives; more than 73,000 flags distributed through America Waves; and more than 416 members in the Congressional America250 Caucus, making it the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in U.S. history.

America250 has also shown up at major cultural and sports moments nationwide, including Times Square on New Year’s Eve; the Rose Parade; and events tied to NFL, NBA, and MLB and will execute a series of celebratory events (“The Moments”) worthy of the 250th anniversary.

America250’s July 4, 2026 events will include major national moments in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and communities nationwide. Events include eight Ball Drops at One Times Square on July 3, the burial of America’s Time Capsule in Philadelphia, and America’s Block Party, anchored in Los Angeles with partner locations and community celebrations across the country. These moments will promote Giving 4th, America250’s effort to make giving back part of how Americans celebrate July 4.

Americans everywhere will be able to join July 4 celebrations through a livestream of America’s Block Party LIVE on america250.org and on the America250 mobile app or by tuning into the audio experience on iHeartMedia.

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and America250.org, together, comprise America250.

The nonpartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was appointed by House and Senate leadership from both parties. It includes 16 private citizens, four U.S. Representatives, four U.S. Senators and 12 Ex Officio members representing all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies. Its Chair, former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, has worked through five presidential administrations and has led the values-based programming approach of “No politics, just purpose.”

America250.org, Inc. is the nonprofit supporting organization to the Commission. It helps carry out America250’s work through procurement, fundraising, programming support and coordination with expert service providers.

America250 works with partners nationwide to help Americans take part in the 250th anniversary, including State and Territory Commissions, sponsors, nonprofit supporting and programming partners, and federal agencies.

America250 is the only nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the national celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its work is guided by a bipartisan Commission driven by purpose to serve the interests of all Americans as mandated by its legislation.

Yes. There are events being organized by state commissions and other groups for America’s 250th birthday at the federal, state and local level, so all Americans have ample opportunities to join in the celebration.

Americans can find, join and host events in their communities on the America250 Calendar or by downloading the America250 mobile app for  iOS and Android.