What is the official historical term for America250, the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebration?

America250 is officially known as the United States Semiquincentennial.

The term combines “semi,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” meaning a 500th anniversary. Together, semiquincentennial describes a 250th anniversary, or half of five centuries. The celebration commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and is centered on July 4, 2026.

Several alternative names have appeared, including sestercentennial, bisesquicentennial, and quarter millennium. However, United States Semiquincentennial is the formal name most closely associated with the federal commemoration. “Bicentennial” refers to the earlier 200th anniversary in 1976, while “sesquicentennial” describes a 150th anniversary.

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was created by Congress in 2016 to coordinate nationwide observances. Its public-facing America250 branding connects the historical term with events, educational programs, commemorative projects, and civic activities leading up to the anniversary.