Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The commission was created a decade before the 2026 milestone so that planning could begin well in advance. Its purpose was to coordinate and encourage commemorative activities marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
The commission is distinct from America250.org, the nonprofit organization that supports public engagement and programming. Together, the federal commission and its nonprofit partner form the organizational structure behind the national commemoration.
The 2016 establishment date can be confused with 1976, the year of the United States Bicentennial, or with 2026 itself, the anniversary year. Planning began earlier because a nationwide anniversary requires coordination among federal agencies, states, territories, museums, communities, and private partners.