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American Founding and Constitution

America 250

America’s 250th Anniversary
By Natalie Coyle, Constittution Fellow

The United States Semiquincentennial will occur July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

According to The White House, festivities are set to commence this Memorial Day and continue through Independence Day 2026.  The president is encouraging all sectors of our country to take part in celebrating this historic moment.  

With the passage of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act in 2016, President Barack Obama established a federal commission charged with commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.  

National Programs and Initiatives  

America Gives is a collaborative initiative inviting people to take this opportunity to reflect on our country’s history of service.  

  • The National Park Service is offering a free “volunteer pass” to those who complete 250 federal volunteer hours.  

America 250 provides an interactive map to search for events happening near you.  

How Ohio is Celebrating 

The America 250 Ohio Commission is charged with leading Ohio’s celebration of the anniversary, and “Ohio is all to celebrate Ohio Style.”  Initiaves will include Public Art and Cultural Projects, Murals Across Ohio, Tree Planting, Signature Programs like “Ohio Goes to the Movies” and “Creativity Trails”, History and Education programs, the Revolutionary War Veteran Grave Identification Project, and others.

Hamilton County has appointed a county commission on America 250 to lead local efforts focuse on Ohio's contributions to America's history over the past 250 years. The two person commission includes Xavier alumnus & Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh.  Citizens are invited to apply to serve on the commission (visit this link to apply). 

Upcoming Events in the Cincinnati Area

Visit the America 250 calendar of events to search for other events in our area.