On what date were the first United States Semiquincentennial commissioners sworn in?

The first United States Semiquincentennial commissioners were sworn in on November 16, 2018.

The ceremony took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the site associated with both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Holding the ceremony there connected the modern planning body to the founding events it was created to commemorate.

The commission then began its long preparation for the 2026 national birthday observance. Its responsibilities included encouraging nationwide programs, coordinating with federal agencies, and developing public-facing initiatives for the anniversary.

The 2018 ceremony is distinct from the commission’s legal establishment in 2016. Congress created the body through legislation, but the commissioners were not sworn in until 2018. The commission initially had 33 members; later statutory changes increased the total membership to 36.