Washington, D.C. – America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, has reached agreement with 20 federal agencies for cooperation on the multiyear effort. Hosted by the Library of Congress, an interagency memorandum of understanding was signed at an official ceremony today to support activities marking 250 years of American independence – 245 years to the day 56 members of the Second Continental Congress started signing the Declaration of Independence.
Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, presented the opening remarks, and Frank Giordano, executive director for the Commission, provided the welcome to assembled federal representatives.
The Congressional legislation which created the Commission outlines, among other things, that “Federal agencies shall cooperate with the Commission in planning, encouraging, developing, and coordinating appropriate commemorative activities.” As such, federal partners for America250 will each work collaboratively to plan and create signature programs and activities that tap into the wealth of knowledge, historic assets, and tangible touchpoints comprising some of the country’s leading cultural institutions and organizations. America250 federal partners include:
-Department of the Interior*
-Department of Justice*
-Department of State*
-Institute of Museum and Library Services*
-Library of Congress*
-National Archives and Records Administration*
-National Endowment for the Arts*
-National Endowment for the Humanities*
-Smithsonian Institution*
-Inter-American Foundation
-National Gallery of Art
-Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
-American Battle Monuments Commission
-Corporation for National and Community Service
-Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
-Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
-Railroad Retirement Board
-U.S. African Development Foundation
-U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
-U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
-U.S. Office of Government Ethics
-U.S. Trade and Development Agency
*Ex Officio members of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission
Daniel M. DiLella, chairman of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission said, “Each of our federal partners offers unique and important perspectives on the shared histories and individual stories that have helped shape our nation. We look forward to working collaboratively with them to create and support initiatives that capture the imaginations of our fellow Americans and inspire them to get involved.”
Specific plans to support America250 will be announced by each agency in the coming months and years.
About America250
America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. The purpose of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and the corresponding America250 Foundation, is to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history. America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information, visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Keri Potts, VP Communications and Public Relations, America250, [email protected]
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.