America250’s 2026 commemoration is officially known by what term for a 250th anniversary?

America250’s 2026 commemoration is officially known as the United States Semiquincentennial.

The term “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. It combines “semi,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” meaning a 500th anniversary. Half of 500 is 250, making the word a precise description of the milestone.

The celebration commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, associated with the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on July 4, 1776. The official national planning body is the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, commonly branded as America250.

This term is sometimes confused with “bicentennial,” which refers to a 200th anniversary. The United States celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, while the 2026 observance marks a different milestone. “Sesquicentennial” means 150 years, and “tercentennial” means 300 years.