AMERICA250 DEBUTS NEW “AMBASSADOR CIRCLE” – UNVEILING A BIPARTISAN COALITION OF ELECTED OFFICIALS, WRITERS, MUSICIANS, AND BUSINESS LEADERS FOR SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
Gov. Ed Rendell, Sen. Cory Gardner, Mayor Willie Brown, Gloria Estefan, Lance Bass, Darla Moore, Mary Smith & Doris Kearns Goodwin join together to raise awareness of America’s 250th anniversary
Washington, DC – America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged with planning and orchestrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today announced the formation of the America250 Ambassador Circle: a diverse coalition of high-profile leaders who will help represent and amplify the efforts of America250 over the next two years. Each Ambassador represents a different region across the nation, reinforcing America250’s commitment to creating the largest and most inclusive commemoration in history that engages as many Americans as possible.
Joining the America250 Ambassador Circle are:
- Governor Ed Rendell, Former Governor, Philadelphia, PA
- Senator Cory Gardner, Former U.S. Senator, Yuma, CO
- Doris Kearns Goodwin, Author and Historian, Boston, MA
- Willie Brown, Former Mayor, San Francisco, CA
- Gloria Estefan, Singer, Miami, FL
- Lance Bass, Pop Icon, Laurel, MS
- Darla Moore, Businesswoman, Charleston, SC
- Mary Smith, President of the American Bar Association, Enrolled Member of Cherokee Nation, Chicago, IL
“With the launch of the inaugural America250 Ambassador Circle, I am honored to welcome a distinguished group of individuals from sea to shining sea who share our vision for a commemoration that seeks to engage and include all Americans for our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. “From former mayors to business leaders, from cultural icons to legal luminaries, this esteemed cohort of individuals embody the limitless potential of the American spirit. I am so thankful to each Ambassador for their dedication and willingness to lend their voices and their platforms to this historic milestone. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit that defines our effort, and I look forward to working with them to create a commemoration that truly reflects the diversity and vitality of our nation.”
“Pennsylvania is deeply rooted in America’s founding history, and I am honored to join the America250 Ambassador Circle,” said Governor Ed Rendell. “Philadelphia has always been at the heart of the American story, and I am thrilled to represent this historic city and Commonwealth as we approach the Semiquincentennial. I look forward to following the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to ensure that Philadelphia plays a central role in commemorating this pivotal moment in our nation’s journey.”
“This diverse coalition of leaders represents the broad canvas of America,” said Senator Cory Gardner. “As the former U.S. Senator from Colorado, I am honored to represent my state again as an America250 Ambassador and to share the story of the Centennial State in the lead up to 2026. Together, we’ll ensure that this commemoration truly symbolizes America’s rich history and reaches every American from sea to shining sea…and mountains as well!”
“Having loved history for as long as I can remember, I’m excited to be part of this commemoration that honors our past, seeks to understand our present, and inspires our future,” said Doris Kearns Goodwin about her participation in America’s Semiquincentennial. “The great protection for our democratic system, Lincoln counseled, was to ‘read of and recount’ the stories of our country’s history, to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of our founding fathers. It is my fondest wish that we can encourage individual participation in America250 which will embrace our collective diversity as well as our common bonds and bring us all closer together in the process.”
“It is a privilege to serve as San Francisco’s America250 Ambassador and celebrate the city’s vibrant history as part of this momentous occasion,” said Willie Brown, Former Mayor of San Francisco. “San Francisco, like America, is a melting pot of cultures, and I’m excited to represent its unique contributions to our nation’s story. Together, let’s honor our shared heritage and embrace the diversity that defines us.”
“As an America250 Ambassador, I am honored to be part of the historic commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Gloria Estefan. “America’s rich cultural tapestry has inspired my music and journey, and as an American citizen who immigrated from Cuba, I am so excited to contribute to this celebration of unity and diversity.”
“I’m thrilled to join the America250 Ambassador Circle and represent my hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, as we commemorate this historic milestone,” said Lance Bass. “Mississippi’s rich musical heritage has shaped my journey as an entertainer, and I am proud to share its story as part of this inclusive celebration.”
“I am deeply honored to join this group in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Darla Moore. “Charleston is one our nation’s most important historic cities, and South Carolina’s pivotal role in our struggle for independence is a story that must be told. I am committed to amplifying our voice in this landmark celebration.”
“As a native Chicagoan and enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, I am thrilled to join the America250 Ambassador Circle to help mark the occasion of our country’s 250th anniversary,” said Mary Smith, President of the American Bar Association. “This multi-year celebration will bring together Americans from all walks of life whose unique and diverse experiences, backgrounds, and cultures contribute to the fabric of the nation. I am honored to represent my hometown of Chicago, and I look forward to lending my voice as we build towards the most inclusive commemoration in America’s history.”
Ambassadors will work to advance the organization’s mission, engage with more Americans, and build relationships with prospective individual, corporate, and foundation partners. In addition, these individuals will provide guidance and strategic input about future America250 programming and initiatives in their local communities and across the nation.
The announcement of the America250 Ambassador Circle follows the commission’s launch of America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic contest designed to engage America’s youth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Launched in March, America’s Field Trip will provide opportunities for awardees to receive once-in-a-lifetime, behind-the-scenes field trip experiences at iconic historical and cultural sites across the United States. This initiative launched as a pilot program in 2024 that will grow and expand each year, leading up to 2026.
This effort is among the first of many in a three-year effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and build towards a meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring Semiquincentennial.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.