250th Anniversary of American Independence

The National Park Service joins the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. Throughout the commemoration, the NPS will proudly serve the American people by embracing our mission to provide opportunities for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Join us as we celebrate and commemorate the Declaration of Independence on its 250th anniversary.


Get Involved

The National Park Service and its partners invite all Americans to share their stories, participate in commemoration programs and events, and join us as a volunteer.

A woman and two girls hold their hands open above their hands at an mountain overlook.
America's Invitation

The National Park Service and America250 invite you to share your story, history, and hopes and dreams for our country.

A woman in a flat-brimmed tan hat and gray uniform shirt holds an item for four young children to lo
America's Field Trip

America’s Field Trip is a contest that invites students across the country to share their perspectives on what America means to them.

Four volunteers pose for a photo on a dock in front of a wooden building.
America Gives

Volunteers can earn an annual pass by completing 250 service hours with participating federal agencies.

A drawing of an American Revolution solider with the words "I need you to help tell my story."
Volunteer as a Citizen Archivist

Help uncover new stories from the American Revolution by transcribing pension records of America’s first veterans and their widows.


Unlocking the Power of Place

The National Park Service is making crucial investments in our nation's most meaningful landscapes. Great American Outdoors Act funds are supporting projects to update Revolutionary era battlefields and other sites related to the commemoration while Inflation Reduction Act funds are supporting preparations for increased use of key sites.

A tall, stone monument with scaffolding at its base.
Bunker Hill Monument Preservation

Preparing Bunker Hill Monument for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 2025.

Two people installing a new interpretive sign along a grass-lined walkway.
Saratoga Battlefield Road Revitalization

Revitalizing the visitor experience on the Saratoga Battlefield.

9 people in front of a historic wood barn.
Improvements at Minute Man

Restoring historic structures, monuments, and trails at Minute Man National Historical Park.

A stone building with large picture windows and columns at the entrance.
First Bank Rehabilitation

Restoring a landmark building in Independence National Historical Park for public use.


Community Preservation Grants

The National Park Service offers assistance to communities for the preservation of America's historic places and diverse history. This is guided by the National Historic Preservation Act, which declares that "the spirit and direction of the nation are founded upon and reflected in its historic heritage.” The National Park Service has distributed $30 million in grants through the Semiquincentennial Grant Program for projects in more than 14 states at sites such as Yorktown Battlefield and New Jersey’s Old Barracks military structure.

2 adults and 2 children read a sign in front of cave.
Semiquincentennial Grants

Funding to restore and preserve resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places that commemorate the founding of the nation.

A group of about two dozen people outside an historic white building for its grand opening.
Historic Preservation Grants

Grants for governments and organizations to manage landscapes, traditional cultural practices, and archeological sites.

Last updated: January 28, 2025

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