Barack Obama signed the 2016 law establishing the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. The commission was created to plan and coordinate the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The law was enacted during Obama’s presidency and gave the commission responsibility for working with federal agencies, states, local governments, schools, museums, and cultural institutions. It also identified historically important locations, including Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Charleston, South Carolina, as leading cities for anniversary activities.
The commission’s work is commonly associated with the name America250. It is separate from the 1976 Bicentennial organizations, although both commemorations involved nationwide programs and public events. The 2016 law also provided for commemorative coins, postage stamps, naval vessels, and a time capsule connected with the 2026 anniversary.