Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016.
The commission was created to plan and promote a national observance of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Its work includes coordinating with federal agencies, states, communities, cultural organizations, and educational institutions.
The commission is a nonpartisan congressional body. America250 is the public-facing initiative associated with the commission, supported by a nonprofit organization that helps deliver programs, partnerships, and communications.
The 2016 founding date gave planners a decade to prepare for July 4, 2026. That timeline reflects the scale of a nationwide anniversary involving historic sites, museums, commemorative programs, public service projects, and special events. It also distinguishes the commission from later presidential task forces and state-level America250 organizations, which were created separately.