Which body was created by Congress to coordinate the United States’ 250th anniversary?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was created by Congress to promote and coordinate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Congress established the commission through the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. Its mission includes encouraging nationwide participation and helping organize commemorative activities for the anniversary of American independence.

The commission is distinct from America250 as a public-facing name and from separate federal, state, local, and private organizations that may conduct their own programs. The congressional commission provides the national coordinating structure, while state and territory commissions develop celebrations suited to their communities.

The legislation also addressed commemorative projects such as coins, postage stamps, and appropriately named naval vessels. The commission’s work belongs to a long American tradition of organizing major anniversary observances, including the Bicentennial in 1976.