The United States Semiquincentennial marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
The date follows the traditional American observance of Independence Day, which commemorates the Declaration’s proclamation in 1776. Although the Second Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, the Declaration was adopted and publicly proclaimed on July 4, making that the anniversary date used for national celebrations.
America250 is the common branding for the nationwide commemoration. The official planning effort began years before 2026 through the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016. Programs include historical exhibitions, civic projects, educational activities, coins, stamps, and local events.
The anniversary is sometimes described as celebrating the nation’s founding, but the precise milestone is the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Declaration associated with July 4, 1776. The term “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary.