It’s America’s semiquincentennial. That’s pronounced semi-kwin-sen-TEN-ee-uhl. It comes from the Latin words “semi” for half and “quincentennial” for five hundred. So, it means half of 500, or 250. A group called America250 has many plans to celebrate this milestone. Let’s look at a few.
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America’s Time Capsule
A time capsule will be buried during 4th of July celebrations here at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A time capsule is a container or box that holds special items. Those items are meant to be opened in the future, so people can learn about this time. America250 is creating a time capsule. It will include letters and artifacts representing all three branches of government. Other items will represent each of the 50 US states and six territories. The time capsule will even include contributions from American students. The capsule will be buried near the site where the Declaration of Independence was written. It will remain sealed for 250 years. In 2276, when the United States celebrates its 500th birthday, the capsule will be opened.
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America’s Soundtrack
Gloria Estefan is a Cuban American pop star from Miami, Florida. Together with her husband, composer Emilio Estefan, she will perform the song “America” for America’s Soundtrack.
What songs do you think of when you think of America? America250 is coming up with a soundtrack for the country. The soundtrack will include both classic anthems and contemporary hits. The chosen songs will represent different styles and cultures that make up the United States. Currently, three tracks have been released. Gloria and Emilio Estefan performed “America.” Composer Karen LeFrak has created a new instrumental work called “American Promise.” The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed the classic “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” More songs will be released throughout the year. They will be available to stream online.
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Our American Story
America250 is visiting events around the United States this year to listen and share stories about American people.
Our country is full of people with their own stories to tell. To celebrate the 250th anniversary, Americans all over the country are invited to share their stories. The Our American Story tour is a year-long, cross-country journey. At each stop, trained interviewers ask people to share their stories. Many of these stories will be preserved at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. They will also be shared with the public online. Citizens are invited to nominate a living friend, family member, or community member to share their story. The tour started in July of 2025 and will conclude in July this year after visiting all 50 states.
What Do You Think? Think about what the United States of America means to you. Work with a partner to answer one of these questions about America250 celebrations:
- What would you put in a time capsule to represent our country? Why?
- What song do you think belongs on America’s Soundtrack? Why?
- What story about our country do you want to tell? Why?
Photo Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Stock Photo
