What federal commission was created in 2016 to organize the United States' 250th anniversary?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was created in 2016 to organize the nation's 250th anniversary.

Congress established the commission as a nonpartisan body responsible for planning and coordinating activities connected with the 2026 commemoration. Its work gave the anniversary a national structure rather than leaving planning entirely to individual states, cities, museums, and historical organizations.

The commission is closely associated with America250, the public-facing name used for the celebration. Its responsibilities include encouraging educational programs, supporting commemorative initiatives, and helping connect local events with the national anniversary.

The commission should not be confused with the United States Bicentennial Administration, which coordinated the 1976 bicentennial. The two bodies served similar anniversary-planning purposes but were created for different milestones, 200 years apart.