Congressional Involvement in the Celebration of Anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence

On July 4, the United States celebrates Independence Day, the federal holiday recognizing the anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. For four anniversaries—the centennial (100th) in 1876, sesquicentennial (150th) in 1926, bicentennial (200th) in 1976, and semiquincentennial (250th) in 2026—Congress created a commission to coordinate the nationwide celebration. For two anniversaries—the centennial in 1876 and the sesquicentennial in 1926—Congress authorized an international exhibition in Philadelphia to showcase the United States and to invite the world to celebrate with Americans. For the 250th anniversary in 2026, Congress in 2016 authorized the United States Semiquincentennial Commission “to provide for the observance and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and related events through local, State, national, and international activities planned, encouraged, developed, and coordinated by a national commission representative of appropriate public and private authorities and organizations.” The United States Semiquincentennial Commission has begun programs to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary. Additionally, Congress has authorized the redesign of circulating coins for 2026 and the creation of a time capsule to be buried in Philadelphia to mark the semiquincentennial. This report provides an overview of congressionally authorized activities for five milestone celebrations of the Declaration of Independence—the upcoming semiquincentennial (250th anniversary in 2026), the bicentennial (200th anniversary in 1976), the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary in 1926), the centennial (100th anniversary in 1876), and the jubilee (50th anniversary in 1826). For each anniversary celebration, the report discusses congressional involvement in the planning of anniversary festivities and other congressionally authorized actions and activities.