Which federal commission was created in 2016 to plan the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations?

The federal commission created in 2016 to plan the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations was the United States Semiquincentennial Commission.

Congress established the commission through the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. Its purpose was to develop and coordinate a nationwide commemoration of the anniversary of American independence, working with government agencies, states, communities, and private organizations.

The commission is commonly associated with the America250 name and banner. It includes congressional members, private citizens, and federal officials, reflecting the intention to make the commemoration national rather than limited to one city or institution.

The commission is distinct from earlier anniversary bodies. The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission organized the 1976 observances, while the United States Centennial Commission was connected with the 1876 centennial. The semiquincentennial commission’s legal termination date is December 31, 2027, after the principal 2026 celebrations.