FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the United States Semiquincentennial?
On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the years since, our country has undergone many changes and faced many challenges. To observe this occasion, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress (P.L. 114-196) to “encourage Americans to remember our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a promising future.” Appointed by the House and Senate leadership of both parties, the nonpartisan Commission is composed of sixteen private citizens, four United States Representatives, and four Senators, as well as twelve ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies. The Semiquincentennial Commission is supported by the nonprofit organization “America 250.”
More information about the Semiquincentennial Commission and America 250 can be found at www.america250.org.
- What is the America 250 Oregon Commission?
Every state and territory has responded to the request from the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to designate an entity that would provide guidance for that state or territory’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. SB 1531, which was adopted by the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly in March 2024 and signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek, created the America 250 Oregon Commission. SB 1531 assigned the following responsibilities to the Commission:
- Coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States as marked by the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- Consult with the nine federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon when planning and developing activities throughout the state to meaningfully include Oregon’s tribal history.
- Seek to ensure an official observance that is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations.
- Who is on the America 250 Oregon Commission?
Per SB 1531, the America 250 Oregon Commission consists of 27 members, which includes six members representing the public at large, two members of the Oregon State House of Representatives, two members of the Oregon State Senate, a number of state officials or their designees and representatives of the following state commissions: Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Arts Commission, the Trust for Cultural Development Board, Commission on Black Affairs, Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Commission for Women. The executive director of the Oregon Historical Society was designated as Commission Chair.
- What is the America 250 Oregon Subcommittee?
SB 1531 also created the America 250 Oregon Subcommittee, which consists of one representative of each of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Indian tribes and the Executive Officer of the Commission on Indian Services. The mission of the subcommittee is to “provide coordination and guidance to the America 250 Oregon Commission.”
- When will the America 250 Oregon Commission meet?
The America 250 Oregon Commission held its first meeting on August 6, 2024, at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland. The Commission will meet quarterly. Visit the Commission Sessions webpage for a list of upcoming meetings, to view past meeting recordings, or read meeting minutes.
- Are America 250 Oregon Commission meetings open to the public?
Yes.
- How can I share thoughts and ideas with the America 250 Oregon Commission?
Please email comments and questions to [email protected].