America250 is the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress (P.L. 114-196) to inspire Americans to participate in the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The commission is charged with orchestrating the largest and most inclusive anniversary observance in our nation’s history.
IMLS has already made several awards in support of the America250 movement and its themes. For example:
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The American Philosophical Society in Pennsylvania is using an IMLS National Leadership Grant to develop a new “digital portal that will uncover hidden stories from Philadelphia’s revolutionary past.”
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The Massachusetts Library System used IMLS grant funds to develop the “10 Questions for Young Changemakers,” a resource for civic education in the digital age which aims to help young people achieve successful, equitable, and effective participation in a new media environment.
IMLS is pleased to share the newly launched America's Field Trip opportunity!
America's Field Trip is a nationwide scholastic contest designed to actively engage America's youth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From now until May 17, 2024, elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to submit artwork, videos, or essays on topics relating to American history, civics, and culture. The official prompt and submission guidelines can be found at america250.org/FieldTrip.
America's Field Trip is an extraordinary opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring as many students as possible have the opportunity to get involved in this contest. To do that, we need your help spreading the word to teachers, students, and families. We encourage you to visit and share america250.org/FieldTrip for more information, including resources, contest rules, release forms, and toolkit materials to integrate the contest into classroom activities.
Specific plans to support America250 will be announced by IMLS and other agencies in the coming months and years.
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has published a field guide for the semiquincentennial. The English and Spanish versions can be viewed and downloaded at the links below: