RALEIGH — Preparations continued at the state and national level for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The America’s Quincentennial Committee at the General Assembly, which convened its first meeting in April 2024, met multiple times this year.
The committee, co-chaired by Sen. Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland) and Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), has an official webpage on the General Assembly’s website complete with a comment portal, lists of events and educational resources.
Public members of the committee include Kyle Luebke, Jason Luker, Charles Batcheller Neely and Tanzy Barrow Wallace. Other contributing members include historian Troy Kickler, the NC250 executive director, and Grace Obsitnik, the committee’s special events assistant.
In March, the committee outlined priorities for America 250 celebrations, such as a timeline of Revolutionary War events in North Carolina, developing an interactive map of historical sites across the state, and creating an inventory of existing historical markers and identifying sites for new recognition.
In May, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced the names of 15 K-12 teachers selected as America 250 Teaching Fellows for 2025.
The committee’s July meeting focused on civic engagement, the idea of America 250 interactive kiosks, and increasing public awareness through digital platforms, branded merchandise and short videos featuring General Assembly members.
In August, the committee heard a presentation on the North Carolina Brigade project, an exhibit that will travel to other states in addition to stops in North Carolina. There was also discussion about historical markers for both the Revolutionary War and important civil rights sites.
The committee focused on ways to increase circulation of America 250 celebration events and news during its September meeting. Updates were also given on a special semiquincentennial edition of the state constitution.
November’s meeting included publicizing “Revolutionary War Trail Opportunities” among the state’s trail system, and Kickler distributed copies of a committee-branded edition of the state and U.S. Constitutions for public outreach. Paul Norcross, co-founder of the Celebrate America Foundation (CAF), described a concert to be held July 3, 2026, at the High Point Theater.
The committee held its final meeting for 2025 on Dec. 16, at which time 86 of the counties in the state had America 250 committees. Committee members heard from CAF Chairman Stephen McKee, who said the High Point concert event would be broadcast live by PBS North Carolina.
State Labor Commissioner Luke Farley attended and gave some brief remarks as a member of the CAF board, including pursuing a potential July Fourth parade.
“The ideal parade, of course, would be one here in Raleigh downtown around our state capitol,” Farley said. “I think our vision would be that downtown Raleigh Capitol Square would be just totally decked out in bunting, you know, their celebratory red, white and blue regalia. We’d have a big parade that brought together people from across the state, marching bands from high schools and universities, and we would have Revolutionary War reenactors there in their period dress.”
Farley said he would have future updates.
“We’re going to lend the full support of the North Carolina Department of Labor to this project,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, NC America 250 events include traveling exhibits that can be accessed on the DCNR’s official America250NC.gov website, which has expansive resources and educational materials.
On a national scale, a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army was held in Washington, D.C. in June. Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were on hand to give remarks, as were most of the heads of Trump’s cabinet.
The U.S. Department of Education rolled out the “America 250 Civics Education Coalition” in October, described as “dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge, and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation.” For information about the Coalition and its programming visit AmericaFirstPolicy.com.
A nationwide contest was announced in October inviting students in grades 3-12 to participate in the nation’s 250th anniversary through “America’s Field Trip.” The contest will end March 30 at 8 p.m., and 250 students will be chosen as winners of a behind-the-scenes field trip experience or cash prize. For more information and rules for entering the contest, visit america250.org/fieldtrip.
The U.S. Department of Education launched the Presidential 1776 Award to celebrate the upcoming quincentennial in mid-December. According to the department, high school students will compete in three stages of multiple choice and verbal exams. Scholarships totaling $250,000 will go to three winners, and the national finals will be held in Washington, D.C., in June.
Heading into the semiquincentennial, the White House and the America 250 Commission have announced several major celebration activities.
On Dec. 18, the president issued a video statement on social media outlining “Freedom 250,” which he described as a new public-private partnership that will plan patriotic events across the country in honor of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
“As we ring in 2026, Americans across the nation will see the iconic Washington Monument illuminated with festive birthday lights to honor the start of this historic anniversary year,” said Trump. “Then from June 25 to July 10 of next year, we will host the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, featuring pavilions from all 50 states, highlighting breathtaking innovations and celebrating America’s exceptional history and culture.”
Freedom 250’s official website launched alongside Trump’s message. Keith Krach, who served as undersecretary of State during Trump’s first term, was named CEO of Freedom 250.
Included in Freedom 250 is the “Patriot Games,” designed for high school athletes from around the country to compete in and to be led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Through a February executive order, Trump first announced plans for a “Grand Celebration” to be held on July 4, 2026, honoring America’s 250th birthday.
Trump has also announced a plan for a “Great American State Fair,” featuring exhibits from all 50 states and America 250 programs and experiences. The Great American State Fair will be mobile, starting in Iowa and finishing its tour in July 2026 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
To see additional America 250 events planned for 2026, including an interactive calendar allowing for searches by state, visit America250.org.
