National Birthday

Can you say semiquincentennial five times fast? It’s a big word. You’ll probably hear it a lot this year. That’s because the United States is celebrating one right now.

A semiquincentennial marks a 250th anniversary. On July 4, 2026, the nation will be 250 years old.

250 Years of History

July 4, 1776, is an important date in the nation’s history. That’s when America became an independent country. The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. It said that America would no longer be ruled by Britain.

Portraits of the Founding Fathers can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery. That’s a museum in Washington, D.C. Its America’s Presidents exhibit was recently fixed up for the semiquincentennial.

The America’s Presidents exhibit in D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery showcases nearly 2,000 images of U.S. presidents.

Party in the U.S.A.

There are many ways to celebrate the U.S.A. From collecting coins to volunteering, anyone can join in.

The U.S. Mint is making coins with historical images. One quarter features the Mayflower. That was a ship the Pilgrims sailed on.

A new quarter shows Pilgrims and a ship they sailed on.

Speaking of ships, tall ones will sail into New York Harbor. They’ll arrive on July 4 as part of Sail 4th 250. The ships will come from countries all over the world.

Tall ships sail into New York Harbor for the new millennium, in 2000. This tradition marks big occasions in the U.S.

The America250 initiative wants to engage every American. It’s led by Rosie Rios. Its America Gives program encourages citizens to volunteer. Our American Story is a project collecting stories from all over the U.S. Rios spoke with TFK. She wants America250 to “reflect the whole country. Not just one story, but many.”

In January, Rosie Rios (center, second from right) and volunteers collect food in D.C. for America Gives.