Which federal commission was created in 2016 to plan America’s 250th anniversary?

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was created in 2016 to plan the nation’s 250th-anniversary observance. It is a congressional, nonpartisan organization associated with the America250 national celebration.

The commission was established a decade before the central anniversary date, allowing time for partnerships, educational programs, commemorative projects, and coordination with states, cities, museums, and civic organizations. Its work is part of a broader effort to connect the 2026 milestone with the history and continuing civic life of the United States.

The commission should not be confused with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which was established later, in 2025. The two bodies have different origins and organizational roles. The commission’s name also differs from the shorter public label America250, which is used in branding and outreach. Earlier national anniversaries had their own planning structures, including the commission associated with the 1976 Bicentennial.