Which body began official planning for the United States Semiquincentennial in 2016?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission began official planning for the national 250th-anniversary observance in 2016. Congress created the commission as a nonpartisan body to promote and coordinate the commemoration.

The commission’s work was intended to connect federal agencies, states, cities, cultural institutions, educators, and private partners. Its responsibilities included developing programs, encouraging public participation, and helping organize events connected with the 1776–2026 anniversary.

The commission is separate from the historical Second Continental Congress, which met in 1776 and adopted the Declaration of Independence. It is also distinct from the White House Task Force for Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, created later in 2025.

The commission’s establishment in 2016 gave the country a decade-long planning horizon. That early start reflects the scale of the event: America250 involves national programming, local celebrations, commemorative objects, educational activities, and anniversary events across the United States.