Official planning for America’s 250th anniversary began in 2016 with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission.
Congress created the commission as a nonpartisan body to coordinate preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. The initiative is commonly branded America250, while “United States Semiquincentennial” is the formal name for the anniversary observance.
The commission was established well before the 2026 anniversary year, allowing time for federal agencies, museums, historic sites, states, cities, and private organizations to develop programs. Its responsibilities included encouraging nationwide participation and supporting commemorative projects.
The year 2016 can be confused with 2026, the anniversary year itself, or 1976, the year of the United States Bicentennial. The 2016 date identifies the beginning of official federal planning, not the anniversary celebration.