The America 250 celebration officially kicked off on July 4, 2025. At Stark Library, we’re honoring this historic milestone throughout 2026 with special programs & events across all our locations.
What Is America 250?
America 250—also known as the United States Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium—marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when the Thirteen Colonies declared they were no longer under British rule.
Planning for this anniversary began a decade ago, gradually evolving into the nationwide celebration taking place throughout 2026.
What Came Before It?
America has a tradition of commemorating landmark anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence. Here are the major national celebrations that came before 2026:
Centennial International Exhibition (1876)
May 10 – November 10, 1876
President in office: Ulysses S. Grant
- Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The first official world’s fair in the United States
- Coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition (1926)
May 31 – November 1926
President in office: Calvin Coolidge
- World’s fair held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
United States Bicentennial (1975–1976)
April 1, 1975 – July 4, 1976
President in office: Gerald Ford
American Freedom Train
- Launched in Wilmington, Delaware
- Toured the 48 contiguous states over 21 months
- 25,388 miles traveled
- 138 cities visited
Key Celebrations Across the Nation
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New York
- International Naval Review in New York Harbor with navies from around the world
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Washington, D.C.
- Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip toured the United States, attending Bicentennial events with President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford
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Delaware River
- Reenactment of the Crossing of the Delaware — November 20 & 21, 1976
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Philadelphia
- The Bicentennial Bell, presented by Queen Elizabeth II — July 6, 1976
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Los Angeles
- Disneyland and Walt Disney World presented America on Parade twice daily — June 1975 to September 1976
Professional Sporting Events
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Philadelphia
- 1976 NBA All-Star Game
- 1976 NHL All-Star Game
- 1976 NCAA Final Four
- 1976 MLB All-Star Game
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New Orleans
- 1976 Pro Bowl
Start With Us — Celebrate America 250
If you're ready to honor 250 years of American history, there’s no better place to begin than Stark Library!
Explore even more:
- Discover more on our America 250 page
- Browse Staff Recommendations handpicked to highlight the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Presidents, and the diverse cultures that shaped 250 years of America
- Visit our Family & Local History webpage to get research assistance or schedule an appointment with one of our Genealogists at Main Library (1020 Market Ave N.) to explore your family’s story
