Barack Obama signed the 2016 law establishing the commission for America's 250th anniversary.
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was established by federal legislation in 2016, during Barack Obama's presidency. The commission was created to plan and coordinate observances of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The commission's work included developing national programming, coordinating with government agencies and local organizations, and supporting commemorative projects. The America250 name became associated with the congressional, nonpartisan anniversary effort connected to the commission.
This founding date is separate from later presidential initiatives. The commission was created before the 2020s planning period and before the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday was established in 2025. Those later developments should not be confused with the original law signed by Obama.