Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 for America’s 250th anniversary.
The commission was created by Public Law 114-196, signed in 2016. Its purpose was to promote and coordinate a nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding era of the United States.
The organization is commonly connected with the America250 name. It was designed as a bipartisan, congressionally appointed body rather than as a single local celebration. Its work has included encouraging state and territorial participation, supporting public programs, and helping connect educational and cultural organizations with the anniversary.
The commission’s creation came a decade before the anniversary itself. That long lead time reflects the scale of planning required for a national milestone involving federal agencies, historic sites, museums, state commissions, nonprofit partners, and communities across the country.