For America250 planning, which federal commission did Congress establish in 2016 to coordinate the 250th anniversary?

For America250 planning, Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to coordinate the 250th anniversary.

Congress created the commission through Public Law 114-196, signed by President Barack Obama on July 22, 2016. Its legal purpose is to promote and coordinate observances of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through local, state, national, and international activities.

The commission is separate from America250.org, Inc., a nonprofit supporting organization that helps carry out programs and public engagement. Together, they form the principal national structure behind the America250 commemoration.

The name can cause confusion because the anniversary is also called the United States Semiquincentennial. “America250” is the public-facing brand, while the United States Semiquincentennial Commission is the congressionally created body. The commission’s work covers history, civic participation, education, service, and nationwide celebrations.