America250: Years in the Making
What makes our revolution unique and so exciting, then, is that it changed the very concept of government. Here was a new nation telling the world that it was conceived in liberty; that all men are created equal with God-given rights, and that power ultimately resides in 'We the people.'
President Ronald Reagan
Message on the Observance of Independence Day, 1981
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, first adopted in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Known as America 250, this historic milestone honors the nation’s founding principles of liberty and self-government while also reflecting on how those ideals have evolved over two and a half centuries. Through exhibitions, public programs, and community initiatives across the country, the semiquincentennial will serve as both a celebration of American history and an invitation to consider the nation’s continuing pursuit of a more perfect union.
Celebrate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Exhibits
Check back in 2026 for upcoming exhibits in celebration of America250
Events
Check back in 2026 for upcoming Events in celebration of America250
Celebrate Virtually with Resources Curated by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Virtual Exhibits
Check back in 2026 for upcoming Virtual Exhibits in celebration of America250
Photo: President Ronald Reagan Giving Speech on The 40Th Anniversary of D-Day at Pointe Du Hoc Normandy France. 06/06/1984 NAID: 75853433
A Reflection of an Era: The Reagan Administration and America's 250th Anniversary: A Collection of Photographs
Check Back throughout 2026 for Photo Galleries
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is honoring America’s 250th anniversary with curated photo galleries that highlight key moments from his presidency. Through carefully selected images of his leadership at home and abroad, the galleries provide a reflective look at Reagan’s role in shaping national and international affairs during his time in office.
Photo: President Reagan sitting at his desk and being filmed by NBC working in the Oval Office for the program "A Day in the Life of the President". 02/10/1981 NAID: 276563103
Gifts Housed in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Artifact Collection: Snapshots of America's Past
Check Back in 2026 for a showcase of unique objects
Photo: "Easter at the White House" painted wooden egg gifted to President Reagan by Kip Grangier in 1987. Artifact ID: 1987.00217.01
Educational Resources
Check Back in 2026 for education resources
Beginning in 2026, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum will celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an array of in-person and virtual educational programs and resources. We will offer teacher workshops to help educators bring history to life in their classrooms. The museum will have a variety of special exhibits that explore our nation's history for visitors of all ages to enjoy. To stay informed on upcoming events, we invite you to sign up for our quarterly newsletter by emailing reaganeducation@nara.gov.
Photo: President Ronald Reagan during a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and addressing the Upper Darby High School. 10/12/1988 NAID: 276564989
Celebrate Across the Country
Celebrate at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives is planning special events and has already launched an ongoing exhibition series, Opening the Vault, to share some of the most historically valuable and iconic artifacts in American history.
Photo: President Ronald Reagan Speaking at Podium and Attending The Swearing in Ceremony of Archivist of The Us Don Wilson at The National Archives. NAID: 75855843
Celebrate at other Presidential Libraries
Presidential Libraries hold the raw materials of history: evidence of democracy at work and of the continuing relevance of the Presidents' past decisions.
Photo: Mrs. Johnson, President and Mrs. Carter, President and Mrs. Ford, President and Mrs. Nixon, President and Mrs. Reagan, President and Mrs. Bush Attend Dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. 11/04/1991 NAID: 5730822
Celebrate at the National Parks
As the proud steward of America’s most sacred historical places, the National Park Service joins the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. From Independence Hall and the Statue of Liberty to Revolutionary War battlefields, memorials to our nation’s founders, and places associated with hundreds of years of American history, national parks across the country will serve the American people through our mission to provide opportunities for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
Photo: President Reagan visits Mammoth Cave National Park in Cave City, Kentucky NAID: 75853501
Celebrate at the Smithsonian
In 2026, the United States of America turns 250 years old. We are tasked with not only celebrating this historic event but also making it a time of reflection. It reminds us of the ideals the nation was founded on, and how we might help the country live up to them. The Smithsonian will celebrate the nation’s successes, contemplate the consequences of our history, commemorate the sacrifices of those who have worked to uphold the nation’s ideals, and ask Americans to commit to advancing our democracy and preserving our shared future.
Photo: President Reagan at the Catlin Exhibit, NMAA Smithsonian ID: 81-8750-7 or SIA81-8750-07
Celebration at the Library of Congress
In 2026, just three years from now, we will commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Library of Congress, along with other Federal agencies, will be taking part in this commemoration. We’ll be sharing our great collections and insights from our incredible staff, and inviting you to rediscover the Library of Congress for yourself.
Photo: Nancy Reagan using a camera while attending the White House News Photographers Event with Elaine Crispen and Larry Rubenstein at the Library of Congress. 05/26/1987 NAID: 75855459
America250 Main Website
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
Learn more
Celebrate with the White House
Under the President’s leadership, the Salute to America 250 Task Force (“Task Force 250”) has commenced the planning of a full year of festivities to officially launch on Memorial Day, 2025 and continue through July 4th, 2026.
The White House is engaging and encouraging the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across this country to join in this historic celebration.
Task Force 250 invites citizens to have a renewed love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will raise our nation to new heights over the next 250 years.
Photo: View of The South Portico and Fountain. 04/26/1983 NAID: 75852763
Participate in the Great American Road Trip
Welcome to The Great American Road Trip. Driven by the U.S. Department of Transportation
You've got to see America to celebrate America.
Photo: President and Nancy Reagan Driving in a Limousine with Dog "Lucky" to Camp David. 02/01/1985 NAID: 75853927
Celebrate in Partnership with the State of California
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in located in Simi Valley, CA. Celebrate America250 and California's 175th Anniversary.
Photo: Marshall Mccomb Swearing-In Ronald Reagan As Governor of California in The State Capitol Rotunda in Sacramento California. 01/02/1967. NAID: 75857135
Celebrations by State
State and Territory Commissions play a key role in the lead-up to the Semiquincentennial in 2026. Each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia forms its own commission to plan, coordinate, and support commemorative activities at the local, state, and national levels. These commissions are responsible for organizing events, programs, and initiatives that highlight their region’s unique history, culture, and contributions to the broader American story.
Commissions in all states and territories have been established, and as their websites become available, we will provide a link to each of them.
Photo: Governor Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan seated at table next to Waikiki beach during trip to Oahu, Hawaii, May, 1968. Collection NAID: 7026192, Photo Number: AVC227-3