Philadelphia hosted the first organizing meeting of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. The meeting took place at Independence Hall on November 16, 2018.
Philadelphia has a central place in the story commemorated by America250. The Second Continental Congress met there, and Independence Hall was the site where delegates debated and adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The city also hosted the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
The commission’s first meeting began a long planning process for the 2026 anniversary. At that time, the commission included private citizens, members of Congress, and federal officials. Its responsibilities included developing recommendations and coordinating commemorative activities across the country.
Philadelphia’s role does not mean every national event will occur there. America250 is designed as a nationwide observance, with programs involving museums, historic sites, schools, communities, and federal agencies throughout the United States.