Though it may still feel like a long way off, the United States’ 250th anniversary is rapidly approaching. Right now, the US Semiquincentennial Comm

Museums Can Renew America Through the Semiquincentennial – American Alliance of Museums

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2021-07-25 03:30:03

Though it may still feel like a long way off, the United States’ 250th anniversary is rapidly approaching. Right now, the US Semiquincentennial Commission, federal agencies, state history organizations, and individual museums throughout the country are all preparing for the America 250 commemoration, and many more will join them soon. This summer, planning that has been mostly behind the scenes will enter a more public—and more urgent—stage.

In 2026 and the years leading up to it, the Semiquincentennial anniversary of our founding will be the center of public conversation and activity, presenting a huge opportunity to museums and other history organizations. From high-profile, national signature programs through locally organized community efforts, the 250th anniversary will encompass a range of historical, educational, and cultural initiatives across a wide variety of program types and in all areas of the United States. Already, more than a dozen states have organized state-level 250th commissions and federal entities like the National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, National Endowment for the Humanities, and others have all begun outlining their plans. Even Major League Baseball has scheduled its All-Star Game in the summer of 2026 for Philadelphia. The 250th will be an anniversary that commands the public’s attention like little else can do.

As we approach the five-year mark to July 4, 2026, every museum should be thinking creatively and ambitiously about what they want the 250th to look like in their community and what kind of impact they hope to achieve.

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