“Commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Explore Indiana’s role in the nation’s history!”
Mission and Vision
Mission: To commemorate in Indiana, the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary
Vision:
By commemorating the USA’s 250th Anniversary, we intend to renew patriotism, honor diversity, strengthen service to our community, state, and country with the intention to enhance belief in the world’s oldest continually existing Constitutional Republic and its future.
Objectives:
1.) To involve all Hoosiers/Americans in the Celebration of America 250 IN.
2.) To emphasize the strength of Hoosier ideas, hopes, and dreams.
3.) To achieve a 250th Commemoration on which Hoosiers can reflect as a positive achievement at this time in Indiana’s and America’s history.
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 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.
In 2026 the United States commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the 1976 bicentennial focused on celebrating the nation’s founding, this semiquincentennial will look at the bigger picture of the American experience. This commemoration will explore Indiana’s role in the nation’s history, from the actions leading to the revolutionary period until today.
As we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States of America, we will acknowledge the people, places, and movements that define our histories. By exploring our collective history, we can see Indiana’s role in the sweeping progress of the United States and how our country’s ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice have played out. To showcase these ideas, we need broad and creative approaches that highlight the multiple perspectives of the American experience.
Known as the original western frontier, Indiana has always been a crossroads of America. Our state has continually provided influential leaders, movements, entertainers, and culture to the U.S. at large. This once-in-a-generation commemoration offers the opportunity to highlight these achievements while looking past our divisions by embracing the shared responsibilities and identity as citizens of the United States of America.
Indiana’s Effort to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026 was signed into Indiana State Law in March 2022 by the Indiana General Assembly and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb.
Disclaimer:
Our website’s purpose is to serve as the place where Indiana Citizens can find information and links for Indiana’s local, county, and state plans for America’s 250 Celebration.
The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The commemoration is called the United States Semiquincentennial, and it will be the largest and most inclusive anniversary celebration in the nation’s history.
The commemoration will include:
Community involvement
Local projects and events will be held to leave a lasting impact on communities.
Family history exploration
Americans will be encouraged to explore their family histories and learn about the roles their ancestors played in founding the nation.
Sharing stories
Americans will be given the opportunity to share their stories and hopes for the future of the country.
Commissioned work
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission will orchestrate the nationwide celebration.
State-specific commemorations
States like Illinois and Indiana will have their own commissions to develop and execute their own commemorations.
Some organizations involved in the commemoration include:
Daughters of the American Revolution
The DAR will plan local projects and events, and is represented on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
Illinois America 250 Commission
This commission will encourage people and organizations in Illinois to commemorate the anniversary in their own way.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
IMLS has made awards to support the America250 movement, including grants to the American Philosophical Society and the Massachusetts Library System.
