Three national initiatives mark the 250th anniversary of independence

In 2016, Congress created the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to plan the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776. Working alongside the commission, America250.org is leading efforts to shape what’s expected to be the largest anniversary observance in U.S. history.

• The organization oversees three major initiatives. Our American Story is a nationwide effort to preserve the voices of everyday Americans by collecting the largest-ever audiovisual archive of “unsung champions.” Anyone can nominate a living person whose story deserves to be recorded using a simple form at America250.org.
• America’s Field Trip is a multi-year contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to respond to themed prompts for a chance to earn behind-the-scenes field trips to iconic sites such as Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, the Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park.
• America Gives is a volunteerism campaign challenging businesses, schools, youth groups, and community organizations to increase service activities beginning January 1, 2026. The goal is to spark a nationwide culture of giving back that extends well beyond the anniversary year.

For more information on all three initiatives, visit America250.org.