At Cubs vs. Brewers game, leaders from America250, Milwaukee Brewers and others announce new partnerships to help make America’s 250th the largest, most inclusive commemoration
Click HERE to watch America’s Invitation launch video, which will play in MLB stadiums and be broadcast across the country
MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250 — the official entity charged with planning and orchestrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding — kicked off the three-year countdown to 2026 with the launch of “America’s Invitation” during the Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers game at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. America’s Invitation — a nationwide, multi-year public awareness and engagement campaign — will reach Americans in every state and territory as America250 works to create the largest, most inclusive commemoration in history.
At the game, America250 debuted an announcement video for “America’s Invitation” calling on Americans across the country to get involved in this milestone 250 years in the making by sharing their American stories and reflecting on our past as well as their hopes and dreams for the future. The launch video will be broadcast across the country on television and digital channels in all 50 states. Major League Baseball (MLB), an existing partner of America250, is also amplifying the launch on MLB digital platforms and in stadiums across the country on July 4th and beyond.
Before the Cubs vs. Brewers game, four Wisconsinites representing a cross-section of Americans came together to throw out a joint ceremonial first pitch. Participants include a local student athlete and participant in Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, a Major League Baseball youth outreach program, Tenia Fisher, a first grade teacher and founder of F.E.A.R. MKE, Sgt. Jordan Leitsch, a Marine Corps veteran and director of Valhalla by Ravin, and Carolanne Trilling, a firefighter paramedic for the City of Madison who is an active member of the Lakota Sioux Native American community. America250 also announced that Nextdoor, an app dedicated to connecting neighborhoods, and YWCA USA, the nation’s oldest and largest women’s organization, have officially joined America250 as partners.
“America’s 250th anniversary is for all of us. This Fourth of July holds added meaning as we kick off the countdown to 2026 and begin what will be the most significant and inclusive commemoration in our history,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. “But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re inviting all Americans from sea to shining sea to join us in this historic effort by sharing their own American stories, as well as reflecting on our past and their hopes and dreams for our future. This milestone is 250 years in the making, and we need everyone’s support to help shape what this commemoration should look like.”
“There’s no better backdrop than right here in Milwaukee, at American Family Field, with the Brewers-Cubs and America’s pastime serving to kick-start this inspiring initiative,” said Rick Schlesinger, Brewers President – Business Operations. “As we gear up for this historic commemoration, we look forward to bringing together fans and families at American Family Field to begin the celebration with us.”
“We are thrilled to partner with America250 to bring neighborhoods together from Anchorage, Alaska to Bangor, Maine as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation,” said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar. “Helping neighbors to connect to the neighborhoods that matter to them is at the heart of everything we do at Nextdoor, and we’re excited to help Americans across the country engage and celebrate this important milestone in our shared history.”
“A moment like this affords the nation a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on everything that has come before us — the uphill struggles and the joyous victories — and recommit to building a brighter, more equitable future for the next generation,” said Margaret Mitchell, CEO, YWCA USA. “We’re proud to partner with America250 on what will be a truly memorable commemoration for all Americans.”
America’s Invitation: Building the Largest, Most Inclusive Commemoration in History
America’s Invitation calls on all Americans to share their own unique American stories — about their communities, cultures, neighborhoods and more — and their hopes and dreams for the future. Americans can submit photos, videos, essays, artwork, songs, and other content at stories.America250.org. America250 will feature this content on its website, on social media, at commemorative events, and through partner organizations. Together, the content shared with America250 will create a portrait of America at 250 to pass down to future generations.
There are currently 33 America250 state commissions, and America250 continues to work with the remaining states and territories, as well as the District of Columbia, to form their own commissions or state-designated entities and ensure broad participation and visibility. Over the next three years, America250 will continue to host commemorative events, together with America250 state commissions and community leaders, inviting all Americans to reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions by Americans from all walks of life, and look to the future for the next generation and beyond. America250 will also partner with leading public and private sector organizations as part of the multi-year effort, including Nextdoor and YWCA USA, among others.
About America250
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country, spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission made up of private citizens, U.S. Representatives and Senators, along with 12 ex-officio members representing all three branches of the federal government, and its nonprofit supporting organization, the America250 Foundation. 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 to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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.