America< Years in the making
)A multi-year contest that invites students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork, videos, and essays, answering the question, “What does America mean to you?” for the chance to earn unique experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites.
The American story is woven from the unique and varied narratives of our people. Let’s tell and celebrate these stories. Nominate history’s unsung champions today.
Your story is America’s story and Americans from all walks of life are sharing theirs in response to America’s Invitation. Your reflections on our past, present, and future are helping us create the most inclusive commemoration in history.
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
On April 19, 2025, Americans across the country will participate in a powerful commemorative moment—Two Lights for Tomorrow. This initiative honors the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, a turning point in our nation’s journey toward independence, by shining two beams of light into the sky: one representing the enduring ideals of our founding, and the other illuminating our shared hopes for the future. As we mark this historic anniversary, Two Lights for Tomorrow invites all Americans to pause, reflect, and recommit to the values that unite us—freedom, justice, and democracy.
Across the country, Americans are planning unique and exciting ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. America250 has compiled upcoming milestones and opportunities to get engaged and ensure that all Americans can find ways to commemorate this historic moment in our nation’s history.
Ongoing
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
Ongoing
America’s 250th South Dakota Commission
Ongoing
Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission
Ongoing
Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission
Ongoing
West Virginia Semiquincentennial Commission
Ongoing
Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission
With a shared focus on engaging communities and enriching the lives of those within them, several organizations are coming together to support programing from sea-to-shining-sea in honor of this historic celebration.
The Coca-Cola Company
Walmart
Meta
BNY
Goldman Sachs
Comprising the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016, and America250.org, Inc., the nonprofit supporting organization to the Commission, America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.