DECEMBER 9, 2025 (AUSTIN, TX) — The Texas America250 Commission encourages Texans across the state to plan and participate in community events and celebrations commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
“As attention turns to this historic milestone in the founding our nation, we’re excited and proud to invite and encourage Texans across the state to participate on both the local and national level,” said Margaret Koch, Bullock Museum Director and Chair of the Texas America250 Commission. “Whether through community or family events in the months leading up to and beyond July 4, 2026, we hope that Texans will share the spirit of our collective past and find renewed hope for our future in ways that honor, celebrate, commemorate, and reflect on all that the Declaration of Independence represents.”
In 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23 creating the Texas America250 Commission. The Commission is led by designees from the Office of the Governor – Economic Development and Tourism, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the State Board of Education, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, an advisory panel of history-minded organizations from around the state, and a representative of the national America250 Commission established by Congress in 2016.
The Texas America250 Commission aspires to promote a deeper understanding of the founding of the United States and the contributions of Texans as we strive toward a more perfect union for future generations. One of the commission’s primary goals is to collect, track and share information about Texas events and activities planned for the 250th anniversary.
There are many ways for Texans to commemorate this historic anniversary on a local level leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026 and beyond.
Connect with your local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for information about their traveling exhibition, and find more traveling exhibitions, contests, and resources on the Texas America250 website.
Starting in January 2026, visit a Texas State Park for fun events that are part of Constitution in Nature or pledge to join Great American Cleanup and plant trees, initiate cleanups and help create cleaner, greener communities in time for July 4, 2026. Texans can also make a difference in their community by volunteering on a National Day of Service, happening throughout 2026.
Additionally, neighborhoods can join the nationwide America’s Potluck by hosting a fun, communal meal on July 5, 2026 and participate in Sharing the Spirit of America on July 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST, when capitols, city halls, municipal buildings, libraries, and families across the country will join in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence to mark the anniversary of its first public reading in 1776.
Texans of all ages are also invited to join the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s Texas America250 Reading Challenge in 2026, a program that promotes reading for students and the whole family. Join the Light to Unite evening of July 4, when buildings and homes across the country will light up with red, white, and blue lights. Additionally, everyone is encouraged to support and visit their local museums and libraries, which will have programs, displays and events throughout the year.
“The 250th anniversary of our Nation’s founding is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect with your community, honor our shared history, and look toward the future,” said America250 Commissioner Lynn Forney Young. “The America250 Commission invites all Americans to share their stories, participate in community service, and celebrate the unique role Texas played in the American Revolution.”
Texans can submit an event or discover events happening in their community at texasamerica250/events, or learn more about the Commission’s work by attending a monthly open meeting. Meeting minutes and information are available at texasamerica250.com/meetings-and-minutes.
