USA250 was founded in Philadelphia in 2011 to promote federal support for America’s 250th anniversary.
The nonprofit organization began before Congress created the official United States Semiquincentennial Commission. Its goals included lobbying for federal support and encouraging Philadelphia to serve as a host city for events surrounding the 2026 observances.
Philadelphia has a particularly strong connection to the anniversary because the Second Continental Congress met there, the Declaration of Independence was adopted there, and Independence Hall is associated with both the Declaration and the Constitution. Those historical links made the city an early focus of anniversary planning.
USA250 should not be confused with America250, the national branding associated with the federal commission, or with Revolution 250, a Boston-based organization. The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was established later, in 2016.