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United States Semiquincentennial
250th birthday celebration
of the United States
Date(s)July 4, 2026
Location(s)United States
Previous eventBicentennial (1976)
Next eventTricentennial (2076)
Activity250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
PresidentDonald Trump
Organized byUnited States Semiquincentennial Commission, America250
Websiteamerica250.org

The United States Semiquincentennial,[a] also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial or the Quarter Millennial, will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities will mark various events leading up to the Declaration's anniversary on Independence Day, July 4, 2026.

Background

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The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776.

The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, voted for the independence of the United Colonies by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776.[5] The Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Committee of Five member Thomas Jefferson, was proclaimed on July 4, the date on which the anniversary of independence is observed.[6]

There were no major government-sponsored 50th anniversary observances on July 4, 1826 (the day the Founding Fathers and former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died). In 1876, the United States organized nationwide centennial observances centered on the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.[7] In 1926, a Sesquicentennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia, and in 1976, Bicentennial observances were held throughout the country.[7]

Activities and observances

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Federal legislation directs that semiquincentennial events receive special focus in the cities of Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, and New York (pictured, clockwise from top left).

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 directs the United States Government to issue commemorative coins and postage stamps, and commission appropriately named naval vessels, in advance of the semiquincentennial.[8] In addition, specific activities—both officially organized and independently created—are being planned. The legislation specifically directs the organization of events “in locations of historical significance to the United States" going on to list Boston, Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia as "leading cities."[9]

The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the United States Mint to redesign any coins in 2026. It calls for a series of five designs for the quarter, including one depicting women's contributions to independence.[10]

Plans for the casting of a new public bell are being coordinated by the National Bell Festival. The bell will honor 250 years of women's contributions to the American story, and will lead nationwide ringing tributes during the celebrations.[11]

Leading cities

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Boston

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In 2016, Revolution 250, a non-profit group organized to plan commemorative events in Boston surrounding the semiquincentennial, was established.[12] According to the organization, it is a consortium of 56 groups,[13] including the Society of the Cincinnati, the National Park Service, the Boston Tea Party Museum, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Suffolk University history department, the Boston Downtown Business Improvement District, The Bostonian Society, and others.[14]

Redcoats march towards the Powder House in Somerville, Massachusetts

The incident known as the Powder Alarm of 1774 in the city now known as Somerville was commemorated by a reenactment in 2024, on a Sunday 250 years after the Sunday of the actual event.[15] The following day, activities in nearby Cambridge explored the consequences of this event.[16]

For the 250th Evacuation Day celebrations, commemorating the evacuation of British forces from the city of Boston following the siege of Boston, early in the American Revolutionary War, on March 17, 2026, the NPS will carry out a $25 million overhaul of the Dorchester Heights Monument. The planned renovations, which will take approximately 18 months to complete, will include work on "taking apart and reassembling the top floors, placing granite slabs to mark where the 1776 fortifications sat, bringing the retaining walls, drainage and lighting up to date and giving the info panels a face lift."[17]

In honor of George Washington's troops' final leg of the trip to secretly haul cannons from Fort Hill to the Fortification of Dorchester Heights, artist Michael Dowling seeks 100,000 Bostonians, a seventh of the city population, to write "a short story of belonging" on any piece of cloth, which will then be tied in a 4-mile (6.4 km) long rope, the same length as the covert journey.[17]

Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Gillette Stadium in between June and July, co-hosting the championship with 15 other venues between Canada, the United States and Mexico, including the "leading cities" of Philadelphia and New York City, at the Lincoln Financial Field and MetLife Stadium, respectively.[18]

Philadelphia

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In 2017, the Daughters of the American Revolution announced a grant of $380,000 to the city of Philadelphia to plant 76 semiquincentennial commemorative trees at Independence National Historical Park.[19] The actual planting of the trees will occur over the course of several years leading up to the semiquincentennial.[20] In 2018, at the state-level, the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Commission (A250PA) was formed.[13]

The commission has announced it is preparing a time capsule for burial in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, which will be scheduled for unearthing on July 4, 2276, the 500th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.[21]

In 2016, city planners announced "Vision 2026", a plan to redevelop Old City in preparation for the semiquincentennial.[22]

The 96th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park in mid-July after the semiquincentennial, bookending the 47th All-Star Game held at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium in 1976 during the bicentennial.[23] Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Lincoln Financial Field in between June and July (including a Round of 16 match on July 4).[18]

New York

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Sergio Villavicencio, Vice-President of the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society, is currently serving as the New York City Semiquincentennial Committee Chair.[24] The Orange County Semiquincentennial Commission was created in 2019,[25] while, in June 2021, the New York State 250th Commemoration Act was enacted, creating a state-wide commission in charge of Semiquincentennial celebrations at the state-level.[26] Part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at the MetLife Stadium in between June and July, co-hosting the championship with 15 other venues between Canada, the United States and Mexico, including the "leading cities" of Philadelphia and Boston, at the Lincoln Financial Field and Gillette Stadium, respectively.[18] The United States Navy will also host the seventh International Fleet Review in New York Harbor on July 4, 2026,[27] which will incorporate OpSail 2026. It is expected that 60 ships from 30 countries will take part.[28]

Charleston

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Charleston, South Carolina, chosen due to its past as one of the "locations that witnessed the assertion of American liberty",[29] with the establishment of the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission in 2018,[13] have begun planning battle reenactments and anniversary festivities. These parallel the 2020 celebrations of the College of Charleston's 250th anniversary,[30] as well as the 350th anniversary of the city of Charleston, which was called Charles Town during the Revolutionary War.[31]

Other cities

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Louisville

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The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) from its national society headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, announced plans to develop a SAR Education Center and Museum to be opened prior to the 250th Anniversary, which will house galleries and exhibits will highlight the patriot ancestors and tell the story of the American Revolution.[32]

Pittsburgh

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In 2019, the city of Pittsburgh organized the "Pittsburgh's United States 250 Celebration", which will feature a Freedom train with Black and Gold colors, musical celebrations with the Pittsburgh Orchestra, and a major firework display at Fort Pitt in the city's downtown area, with an all-day live parade through all city neighborhoods.

Denver

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In 2026, Colorado will also observe the 150th anniversary of Colorado entering the Union. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission was established to guide the Centennial State's twin commemorations.[33]

Planning

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Members of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission present then-Vice President Mike Pence with a copy of a Congressionally-required report on January 15, 2020, at the Vice President's Ceremonial Office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. From left to right: David L. Cohen, Senator Pat Toomey, Rosa Gumataotao Rios, Frank Giordano, executive director of the commission, Vice President Mike Pence, Chairman Daniel DiLella, Lynn Forney Young, Cathy Gillespie, Congressman Robert Aderholt, and James L. Swanson[34]

In 2011, the non-profit organization USA250 was established in Philadelphia to lobby for federal government support of the United States semiquincentennial and establish Philadelphia as the host city for events surrounding the semiquincentennial observances. In 2014, the Philadelphia City Council ordered a public hearing of the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to investigate "the impact and feasibility of Philadelphia" hosting the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, among other events.[35][36] The United States Semiquincentennial Commission was subsequently established by Pub. L. 114–196 (text) (PDF), 130 Stat. 685, enacted July 22, 2016 ("United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of July 2016"), signed by then-President of the United States, Barack Obama.[21] The act was amended by Pub. L. 116–282 (text) (PDF), 130 Stat. 685, enacted December 31, 2020, to allow the Commission to accept Congressional funding, to add a Justice of the Supreme Court to the Commission, and to make additional technical changes.[37]

On November 15, 2017, the United States Department of the Interior issued a request for proposals seeking a non-profit corporation to act as secretariat to the commission and lead nationwide organization of observances.[38] The American Battlefield Trust was named the commission's non-profit partner to serve as Administrative Secretariat, tasked with preparing reports for Congress and helping raise funds for the anniversary observances. The Trust "has distinguished itself in fundraising and managing high-profile commemorative events, and that expertise will be invaluable to the U.S.A. 250th Commemoration planning efforts," said then-Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.[39]

Daniel DiLella, CEO and President of Equus, a leading private equity real estate fund, was appointed Chairperson of the Semiquincentennial Commission in April 2018, leading a 32-member body composed of members of Congress, private citizens and federal officials.[40]

The Commission was tasked with developing a report with recommendations to the President and to Congress within the first two years of formation. The Commission will observe and commemorate not only the Revolution, but also the full history of the U.S. leading up to the 250th Anniversary. Official meetings will be held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

In May 2018, DiLella named Frank Giordano as the commission's executive director. Giordano, who heads Atlantic Trailer Leasing in Philadelphia, led the rejuvenation of the formerly struggling Philly Pops orchestra and was part of the rejuvenation of the prestigious Union League of Philadelphia.[41]

Pennsylvania became the first state to formally begin planning for the anniversary in June 2018 when the commonwealth established the Pennsylvania Semiquincentennial Commission. Four months later, on October 17, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf named Fresh Grocer supermarket magnate and philanthropist Patrick Burns to chair the state commission.[42]

In August 2018, the State of New Jersey launched its effort when New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a measure that called on the New Jersey Historical Commission to create a program focused on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States as well as the creation of the state's first Constitution. The law appropriated $500,000 to fund the historical commission's planning for the 250th anniversary festivities.[43]

On November 16, 2018, the 33 members of the United States Semiquincentennial were sworn in at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and convened their first organizing meeting to begin eight years of planning and organizing for the 250th national birthday celebration. Dilella estimated that the group would meet three or four times a year.[44] The new commission consisted of 16 private citizens, including chairman DiLella; eight members of Congress and nine federal officials.[45] The day before the meeting, the Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the commission, held a tree-planting ceremony to introduce its Pathway of the Patriots along the Schuylkill River Trail. Project organizers expect to plant 250 new trees along the trail from the city to Valley Forge.[44]

After being named the non-profit partner in October 2018, the American Battlefield Trust provided financial and staff support to get the Commission operational as well as initial legal support. It convened more than 50 Commission meetings and provided strategic advice for the governance and structure of the Commission, including the establishment of leadership roles and governance committees. The Trust also created the America 250 Foundation and provided initial recommendations for staffing and structure. It helped the Commission develop relationships with key stakeholders and federal agencies, worked to help secure corporate support for the Commission, provided temporary Commission administrative offices and worked with Congress to secure federal appropriations, providing more than 4,200 work hours in these efforts.[46][full citation needed]

In July 2021, the America250 Foundation made public its website as well as its marketing campaign, which initially consisted of advertisements in more than 4,559 locations in the four "leading cities," as well as a public service announcement aired on Comcast NBCUniversal networks that summer. Advertisements were displayed "[from] Times Square and the Lincoln Tunnel in New York to the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia," with original content also being published on the campaign's social media accounts.[47]

On August 2, 2021, on the 245th anniversary of the starting of the Signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, members of the Semiquincentennial Commission and other federal agencies met at the Thomas Jefferson Building Great Hall of the Library of Congress to sign a memorandum of understanding to further collaborate and coordinate on semiquincentennial activities.[48][49]

External videos
Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Support for Cooperation in Support of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America
video icon America 250 Interagency Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony on YouTube (August 20, 2021)

In July 2022, President Joe Biden designated former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios as Chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Rios, who replaced Dan DiLella, was first appointed to the Commission on January 11, 2018. DiLella will continue to serve as a commissioner.[50] On October 3, 2022, Rios announced that CEO Joe Daniels had resigned. Daniels, who came from the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City, had served as America 250 CEO for one year.[51]

On August 1, 2024, the Semiquincentennial Commission announced that former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as their spouses, former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, will serve as the Commission's Honorary National Co-Chairs.[52]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Refers to "half (semi) of five (quin) of a century," an alternative of which is Bicenquinquagenary which comes from two (bi), hundred (cen(t)) and fifty (quinquagen).[1] The first mention of the term "semiquincentennial" in The New York Times was in a 2020 review by Thomas Mallon of Gore Vidal's 1876 novel, observing that "[h]is novel allowed Americans to view their bicentennial through the commemorative year of a century before; present-day readers, six years away from the semiquincentennial of the republic (if we can keep it), can discern some of their own grotesque times through the author’s vision of 1876."[2][3][4]

References

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  1. ^ Dupree, Jamie (July 4, 2018). "USA 250 the Semiquincentennial just 8 years away". Boston 25 News. Archived from the original on April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  2. ^ Mallon, Thomas (September 11, 2020). "Stories of Then That Still Hold Up Now". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. Archived from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2022. His novel allowed Americans to view their bicentennial through the commemorative year of a century before; present-day readers, six years away from the semiquincentennial of the republic (if we can keep it), can discern some of their own grotesque times through the author's vision of 1876.
  3. ^ Frost, Natasha (September 13, 2020). "Belarus Protests, Migrants, U.K. Coronavirus: Your Monday Briefing". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. Archived from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  4. ^ Leonhardt, David (September 14, 2020). "Biden's Vulnerability". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. Archived from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  5. ^ "Did You Know... Independence Day Should Actually Be July 2?". archives.gov. National Archives and Records Administration. June 1, 2005. Archived from the original on February 5, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  6. ^ "The Declaration of Independence, 1776". Office of the Historian. United States Department of State. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  7. ^ a b Bykofsky, Stu (April 28, 2017). "Can Philly handle the Semiquincentennial?". Philadelphia Inquirer. The Lenfest Institute. ISSN 0885-6613. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  8. ^ "Sen. Shaheen will bring NH's voice". Nashua Telegraph. Ogden Newspapers. November 17, 2016. OCLC 22532489. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  9. ^ Herman, Ken (August 3, 2016). "Can you say semiquincentennial?". Austin American Statesman. Gannett. ISSN 1553-8451. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "As Part of Women's History Month, Reps. Lee & Gonzalez Lead Bipartisan Effort to Issue Quarters Honoring Prominent American Women | Barbara Lee - Congresswoman for the 13th District of California". lee.house.gov. United States House of Representatives. March 28, 2019. Archived from the original on December 9, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  11. ^ "U.S. Semiquincentennial Bell". National Bell Festival. May 2, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Taylor, Karen Cord (January 28, 2016). "Downtown View: Sestercentennial". Beacon Hill Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  13. ^ a b c "United States 250th Anniversary Annual Report July 2019" (PDF). American Association for State and Local History. July 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  14. ^ "Membership". revolution250.org. Revolution 250. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  15. ^ "How a revolt in Somerville helped spark the American Revolution". www.wbur.org. August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  16. ^ "Free Events Commemorating 250th Anniversary of Powder Alarm in Somerville and Cambridge Sept. 1-2". www.cambridgema.gov. August 30, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Cotter, Sean Philip (March 17, 2022). "$25M Boston Evacuation Day monument overhaul, art project planned for 250th anniversary". Boston Herald. Digital First Media. ISSN 0738-5854. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  18. ^ a b c MLSsoccer staff (June 16, 2022). "FIFA names 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  19. ^ Bykofsky, Stu (June 27, 2017). "Philly gets money from DAR for semiquincentennial trees". The Philadelphia Inquirer. ISSN 0885-6613. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  20. ^ Crimmins, Peter (November 8, 2017). "76 trees to be planted in Independence Park". WHYY-FM. Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  21. ^ a b Lawrence, Kerri (May 10, 2018). "Ferriero to Serve on Semiquincentennial Commission". archives.gov. National Archives and Records Administration. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  22. ^ Tanenbaum, Michael (April 3, 2016). "Old City District presents Vision 2026 development goals". Philly Voice. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  23. ^ Henninger, Danya (April 17, 2019). "Why the MLB All-Star Game in Philly was announced 7 years early". BillyPenn.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  24. ^ Merzlyakov, Vladimir (January 11, 2020). "Happy Birthday Hamilton! 2020". National Park Service. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  25. ^ "Yaun Named Chair of Semiquincentennial Commission". Hudson Valley Press. September 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  26. ^ Willard, Lucas (June 18, 2021). "NYS Bill Forms Commission To Plan For America's 250th Birthday". WAMC. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  27. ^ "The 250th birthdays of the Navy and the United States of America" (TXT). www.mynavyhr.navy.mil. March 3, 2023.
  28. ^ "COMING TO AMERICA: NY, NJ to welcome largest-ever tall ship flotilla for nation's 250th birthday". March 20, 2024.
  29. ^ "PUBLIC LAW 114–196—JULY 22, 2016 130 STAT. 685" (PDF). congress.gov. 114th Congress. July 22, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  30. ^ "CofC 250 - College of Charleston 250". College of Charleston. Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  31. ^ "Charleston's 350th Commemoration | The Post and Co". The Post and Courier. Evening Post Industries. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  32. ^ "The SAR Museum and Education Center". SAR Foundation. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  33. ^ "America 250 - Colorado 150 | History Colorado". www.historycolorado.org. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  34. ^ "Vice President Pence Meets With Federal Commission to Advance Plans for Nationwide America 250 Celebration In 2026". Associated Press. January 17, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  35. ^ "File 140197". Philadelphia City Council. City of Philadelphia. March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  36. ^ Gelb, Matt (January 17, 2016). "Planning the nation's birthday party . . . for 2026". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Lenfest Institute. ISSN 0885-6613. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  37. ^ Trump, Donald J. (December 31, 2020). "Statement on Signing the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act of 2020". The American Presidency Project. University of California, Santa Barbara. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  38. ^ "Nonprofit Sought to Coordinate U.S.A.'s 250th Anniversary Commemoration". National Park Service. United States Department of the Interior. November 15, 2017. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  39. ^ "Civil War Trust Selected as Nonprofit Partner for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States". doi.gov. United States Department of the Interior. May 4, 2018. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  40. ^ Devine, Rebecca (April 4, 2018). "Equus CEO Daniel DiLella Appointed Chairperson of the Seminquincentennial Commission for the United States of America". BusinessWire. Berkshire Hathaway. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  41. ^ Distefano, Joseph N. (May 28, 2018). "Philly folks are taking a big role in planning America's 250th birthday. Will the city rise to the occasion?". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Lenfest Institute. ISSN 0885-6613. Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  42. ^ "Governor Wolf Names Pat Burns Chair of Semiquincentennial Commission". governor.pa.gov. Governor of Pennsylvania. October 17, 2018. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  43. ^ Matthau, David (August 22, 2018). "New Jersey Getting Ready to Celebrate the Nation's 250th Anniversary". WKXW (New Jersey 101.5). Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  44. ^ a b American Battlefield Trust (November 19, 2018). "Inaugural Meeting of U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Held in Philadelphia". PR Newswire. Cision. Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  45. ^ DiStefano, Joseph N. (November 21, 2018). "Semiquincentennial planners get their Philly start". The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Lenfest Institute. ISSN 0885-6613. Archived from the original on November 26, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  46. ^ America 250 Progress Report to the National Park Service, June 2020. (A250_ABT_DOI_ProgressReport 6 March 2020 6.1FINAL.pdf). Accessed June 28, 2021.
  47. ^ "America250 Semiquincentennial Campaign Rolling Out". New York Almanack. July 6, 2021. Archived from the original on July 7, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  48. ^ "America 250 Interagency Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony". Library of Congress. August 2, 2021.
  49. ^ "Federal Agencies Sign MOU Supporting America250". America250. August 3, 2021. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  50. ^ "Rosie Rios Designated Chair of U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission". America250.
  51. ^ "Amid Ongoing Controversy, America250 CEO Resigns". October 5, 2022.
  52. ^ "America250 Announces Presidents Bush & Obama, First Ladies as Honorary National Co-Chairs". America250.
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