Washington, D.C. – Today, America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, announced that U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has appointed Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. As a Commissioner, Senator Murkowski will assist the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and America250.org in orchestrating the largest, most inclusive commemoration and celebration in American history.
“As a third-generation Alaskan and the first Alaskan-born senator, I’m proud to join the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and represent my home state,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Having served Alaskans and the American people for 25 years, I am well positioned to help strategize and contribute to the Commission’s goal of bringing the nation together for America’s 250th anniversary. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and all organizations involved to engage Americans in this historic milestone while ensuring the great state of Alaska’s voice is heard throughout these efforts.”
“It is an honor to welcome Senator Murkowski to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. She brings extensive knowledge and experience to her new role as Commissioner and I look forward to working alongside her in planning and executing the most significant and inclusive anniversary in our nation’s history,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios. “I am confident that her leadership and expertise gained through decades of public service will add tremendous value as we continue to gear up for the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.”
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Commission comprises 16 private citizens, four U.S. Representatives, four U.S. Senators, and 12 ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies, all of whom were appointed by House and Senate leadership of both parties. Last month, the Commission also announced the appointment of West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito.
America250 continues planning its multi-year-long commemorative activities leading up to the Semiquincentennial. Most recently, America250 announced America’s Field Trip — a nationwide scholastic contest with awardees receiving behind-the-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. In July of last year, America250 launched America’s Invitation, a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories, hopes, and dreams for the future of this country. In December, America250 and local elected leaders participated in the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, launching a weekend of commemorative activities, including a live reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, which represents the first of many locally-driven, grassroots events that America250 will support in partnership with states and territories across the country.
About America250
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org, Inc. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Until July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.