Freedom 250

Celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit

The Department of the Interior, in coordination with the A250 commission and the White House, has begun highlighting and restoring historic sites, and paying tribute to figures that have defined American Greatness and contributed to our national heritage.

Over the next five years the Department plans to activate over $345 million to preserve and restore America’s most historic places.

Learn About Our Initiatives

Patriot Program

The Department is engaging in a public-private partnership to invest in iconic sites and restore America’s Greatness.

$250 million public-private investment in iconic American sites
Restoring national landmarks to celebrate America’s greatness
Philanthropic support enhances impact and efficiency

America’s Field Trip

In National Parks across the country, the Department is hosting awardees to participate in unique tours of some of America’s most treasured historical sites, giving students a front row seat to the moments and places that define us.

National Parks host student awardees for immersive historical tours
Exclusive experiences at sites like Mount Rushmore and Mesa Verde
Students explore sacred landscapes and learn about defining moments in U.S. history

America Innovates

Bureaus across the Department will be highlighting the evolution of American energy development.

Department bureaus (BOEM, BSEE, OSMRE, USGS) showcase energy innovation
Focus on future-forward technologies

America Gives

The Department will be encouraging volunteerism.

Promoting volunteerism to restore historic sites and monuments
Honoring military and public service contributions
Goal: 250+ hours of volunteer events nationwide

America Waves

An initiative designed to create moments for all Americans across the nation.

Nationwide initiative to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
Encouraging flag-waving moments across states and territories
Honoring those who shaped the nation’s journey

Calendar of Events

Join us for the celebrations and commemorations happening throughout the year.

Find Events

Visit a Signature City

We're highlighting five signature cities, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston and Washington, D.C., for their individual roles in defining America’s legacy.

Boston

Boston was the setting for the first major battle of the American Revolution and many of the events leading up to the Revolution. Boston National Historical Park has already commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre and the NPS has upcoming anniversaries for the first shots of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord as well as the Battle of Bunker Hill. In addition to working with the state and local commissions, Boston National Historical Park will celebrate the re-dedication of the Dorchester Heights Monument, host naturalization ceremonies, activate the Charlestown Navy yard as part of a Tall Ships event, and implement a wide range of programs and events during the Semiquincentennial.

Boston
New York

New York City will be a major hub of activity for the 250th as it plays host to visiting tall ships as part of Sail 4th 250, U.S. Navy Aerial review and flyovers, naturalization ceremonies in multiple national park sites, and fireworks on the Hudson on the 4th of July. National parks in the area, including Statue of Liberty National Monument, are coordinating efforts with state and local commissions.

New York
Philadelphia

Philadelphia represents the founding ideals of the nation and preserves national and international symbols of freedom, revolution, and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall. Philadelphia is playing host to both a World Cup Soccer game and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Independence National Historical Park is coordinating with the America250 Commission to install a time capsule at Independence Mall.

Philadelphia
Charleston

Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. These forts served as the guardians of Charleston Harbor and, along with neighboring parks and partners, will play a significant role in the NPS 250th celebration. The home of Charles Pinckney, an author and signer of the U.S. Constitution, is preserved in Charleston as part of the National Park System. Some of the planned activities include a celebration of Carolina Day which marks the Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, living history programs and weapons demonstrations, naturalization ceremonies, Minor League Baseball collaborations, and the development of new programs and exhibits.

Charleston
Washington, DC

Washington, DC will be the centerpiece of America’s 250th celebration. Throughout 2026, millions of visitors including schoolchildren from across the country will focus on the nation’s capital to wonder and be inspired by the monuments and memorials to our country’s exceptional leaders and vibrant past. Culminating in the most prominent fireworks display in the nation, over 250 NPS staff and volunteers will bring an exciting experience to tens of thousands of visitors on July 4th.

Washington, DC