America250 follows the 1976 United States Bicentennial.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence and was celebrated throughout the United States in 1976. America250, held in 2026, marks the next 50-year anniversary milestone after that nationwide observance.
The two celebrations are separated by half a century, but they are linked by the same founding reference point: the Declaration of Independence of 1776. The 1976 festivities included national ceremonies, exhibitions, special publications, commemorative objects, and widespread local events.
“Bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. The terms are not interchangeable. A centennial marks 100 years, a sesquicentennial marks 150 years, and a tricentennial marks 300 years. America250 is therefore the next major 250-year milestone rather than a second bicentennial.