In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776
As our nation reaches this milestone, we pause to reflect on our nation’s past and honor the contributions of all Americans.
Programs & Events
Reading Lists
NPR 10 books to help you understand America as its 250th birthday approaches – learn how the U.S. got where it is today
Reading the Revolution – Massachusetts Center for the Book, a multipart reading list
Links for more information
America 250 – A website for nationwide programs, events, and ways for people to get involved in celebrating and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary
MA 250 – A resource for discovering events, projects, and ways to engage with Massachusetts’ commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Boston 250 – Guide on the commemoration of Boston’s role in the American Revolution and events in Boston celebrating the 250th anniversary.
DAR Celebrating 250 Years of America – Commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through nationwide events, educational programs, patriot markers, history exhibits, and community outreach projects.
Library of Congress Celebrates America’s 250 Years – Throughout 2026, the Library of Congress invites all Americans to appreciate the nation’s history by exploring the Library’s collections and expertise through exhibitions and dynamic programming. The Library will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary under the theme It’s Your Story, offering an opportunity for everyone to discover part of America’s story within the world’s largest research collections.
National Archives – Founders Online – Read and search through thousands of records of the Founders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and more.
National Archives Foundation – Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary -The website highlights upcoming nationwide commemorations and ways for the public to engage with the nation’s founding documents and stories.
National Endowment for the Arts – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary – The website showcases opportunities and events that use the arts to explore American history, creativity, military service, literature, music, and shared cultural heritage leading up to the 2026 semiquincentennial celebration.
National Park Service 250th Commemoration – Highlights how national parks across the country are commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through special events, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and historic preservation projects.
PBS America @ 250 – Join PBS in commemorating the country’s 250th Anniversary with content exploring how the United States came together, showcasing its rich history, treasured artifacts, and performances and art that define America.
Smithsonian – Our Shared Future: 250 – Exhibitions, events, and public programs that invite us to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and imagine the future together.
Visit the USA – 250 Years of the USA – Highlights the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, featuring historic sites, cultural experiences, road trips, and special events across the country.
U.S. Department of Education – Freedom 250 – Highlights the Department’s plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through civics education, student competitions, school events, and nationwide programs focused on history, citizenship, and patriotism.
U.S. Department of State – Freedom 250 – The Department of State commemorates the period leading up to the Declaration of Independence, a time when America’s diplomacy was born.
White House Freedom 250 – The site promotes efforts to encourage patriotism, civic engagement, historical reflection, and nationwide participation through events such as mobile museums, road trips, arts programs, and commemorations at national landmarks.