Fireworks! Parades! Red, white, and blue! What do these things make you think of? The United States of America’s birthday, of course! America has a very big birthday coming up—its 250th birthday, to be exact.
On July 4, 1776, almost 250 years ago, the founders signed the Declaration of Independence. This act separated the American colonies from British rule and made the United States an independent country. That’s why we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July every year. And some of these birthdays get extra-special celebrations.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [LC-DIG-highsm-04694]
People lined up at stops across the country to visit the American Freedom Train as part of America’s 200th birthday celebration.
In 1876, America celebrated its 100th anniversary, or Centennial. President Ulysses Grant hosted a Centennial Exposition (a public exhibit or show) in Philadelphia to celebrate. He demonstrated American progress by using an American-made steam engine to power all the exhibits.
In 1976, America celebrated its 200th birthday. This anniversary was called the Bicentennial. It included five full years of celebration, including a traveling museum called the American Freedom Train. The train traveled across the country displaying artifacts from American history, like copies of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, an early automobile, and a rock from the Moon.
In 2026, we will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. This celebration is called the Semiquincentennial.
Photo Credit: Archive PL/Alamy Stock Photo
A visit to Mount Rushmore is one way people will celebrate the Semiquincentennial.
A 250th birthday is a big deal, and it calls for a big celebration. Of course, there will be fireworks and parades on July 4, 2026, but the celebrations are already underway. A kick-off celebration was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3, 2025. Here are some of the other programs being planned:
- America’s Field Trip: This contest invites students in grades 3 through 12 to share a piece of art or writing about what America means to them. Winners get to take a trip to visit historical and cultural landmarks. Some of the fun trips students can win include visits to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado.
- The Great American Road Trip: This program encourages families to celebrate America’s birthday by taking a road trip. A website designed to help families map out their trips highlights 250 exciting stops across the country.
- Our American Story: Everyday Americans will be selected to record their personal stories. The videos and sound recordings will be shared publicly and stored at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
- America Gives: This program encourages businesses, schools, and other organizations to volunteer to help others in their community.
These are just a few of the national programs planned for 2025 and 2026. To find out more about the celebrations, visit the official America250 website at america250.org.
What Do You Think? How would you like to celebrate America’s 250th birthday?
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