Gerald Ford was the U.S. president during the 1976 bicentennial, the earlier anniversary before America250.
The bicentennial marked 200 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Ford participated in national celebrations on July 4, 1976, including events in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
The 1976 observance was organized through a nationwide program rather than a single permanent exposition. It featured fireworks, parades, historical events, tall-ship gatherings, exhibitions, and celebrations in communities across the country.
Ford is sometimes confused with Richard Nixon, who was president during part of the planning period, or Jimmy Carter, who became president in January 1977. The 2026 America250 anniversary is separated from the 1976 bicentennial by exactly fifty years.